The return to representative squash competition after a lengthy lay off due to COVID restrictions took place 9-11 Nov 21 at the Army Inter Corps Squash Championships in Aldershot Garrison Sport Centre.
Over 150 players from 12 of the 13 Corps took part in the relaunch of squash with some fantastic squash on display.
Support from the National Governing Body, England Squash in the form of a visit from their new Chief Executive Officer (Mark Williams) and our primary sponsors Fujitsu who presented trophies and prizes on Day 3 really added to the ‘buzz’ of the occasion as our top players re-engaged in ‘squash combat’ and re-acquainted themselves with other members of the Army Squash family.
On the third day of the Championships, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, The Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre fell silent and Army Squash paused to remember them. AS Remembers
Paul Hudson from Fujitsu Makes the presentations.
Chris Cooper presented Players Player Award from Paul Hudson (Fujitsu)
Support and equipment was also provided by our secondary sponsor UNSQUASHABLE which allowed players to ‘test drive’ a range of discounted rackets.
As expected the Royal Artillery won the Div 1 title for the 5th time in the last 6 years, with REME B and AMS taking the titles for Div 2 and Div 3 respectively.
Inter Corps Winners 2021 RA (A)
Div 3 Winners AMS
Full team results are shown below:
Division 1 Champions – RA(A)
Division 1 Runners Up – REME (A)
Division 1 3rd Place – INFANTRY (A)
Division 2 Champions – REME (B)
Division 3 Champions – AMS
Promoted to Division 1 – REME (B)
Promoted to Division 2 – AMS and RLC (B)
Relegated to Division 2 – R SIGS (A)
Relegated to Division 3 – RAPTC (B) and RAC
Major General Shaun Burley, Director Army Sport Control Board visited the Army Squash Inter Corps Championships to present SSgt Jack Gatrell and WO2 Dean Boys the DASCB Coin (commissioned to recognise and reward outstanding achievements in the delivery or support of Army Sport).
Dean for his exceptional performance and dedication to Army Squash since 2010. Dean is now the U25’s Team Manager and an excellent role model. Jack was awarded the coin for his work and dedication in the development of the Army Squash Court Finder application which has now gone live. https://squash.britisharmysport.com/as-map/
Major General Shaun Burley presents DASCB coin to WO2 Dean Boys
Major General Shaun Burley presents DASCB coin to SSgt Jack Gatrell
The competition also embraced the use of Squash Levels as a ranking system and included a new award for most improved player over the three days, this award went to Capt Atterbury, Infantry. The coveted Players Player Award for their performance on and off the court went to Cpl Cooper, AGC.
More photographs can be viewed in the Army Squash Gallery
Action video between AAC and the Royal Engineers can be viewed here
During the period Army Squash also held its Annual General Meeting with the Executive Committee and Corps Chairs and Secretaries paving the way for what will be an ambitious and exciting 2022-, and players enjoyed a social event in the form of a Chilli supper in Garretts.
The top Army Squash players will compete in the Inter Services Individual Championships 25-26 at Winchester Squash Club with the next main championships being the Inter Units competition 18-20 Jan 22 in Aldershot.