The annual veterans squash festival is an age handicapped event to celebrate senior squash and involves teams from the Veterans Club GB, Escorts, RAC Club and Army Masters/Vets. The Army has historically strong ties with all the clubs and is therefore honoured to have been included yet again in this excellent event. This was the first competitive fixture of the season for Army Masters/Vets and provided the perfect preparation for UKAF Individual Championships in a couple of weeks.
This event took place at the RAC Club, Woodcote Park, Epsom. The club has 2 singles courts and 2 doubles courts. The team were excellently hosted throughout by both the RAC and the event organisers.
The Army team changed considerably over the weeks leading to the event due to injury and other commitments. This meant a heavier lean on the retired members of the Squash community to field a team. Thanks to Phil Ashman for stepping up to the plate at the last minute. Even then the team were one player short. With a weakened team, the pressure was on to retain the trophy that the Army has only conceded once since it has competed for it.
| Serial | Rank | Name | Age | Comments |
| 1 | Capt | Gaz Hall | 44 | Singles 1 |
| 2 | Maj | Chris O’Brien | 43 | Singles 2 |
| 3 | WO2 | Dale McCarter | 42 | Singles 3 |
| 4 | WO1 (retd) | Craig Webb | 51 | Doubles 1 |
| 5 | Capt | Gaz Hall | 44 | Doubles 1 |
| 6 | Lt Col | Phil Croager | 54 | Doubles 2 |
| 7 | Lt Col (retd) | Phil Ashman | 56 | Doubles 2 |
| 8 | Maj (retd) | Dave Smith | 57 | Doubles 3 |
| 9 | Maj (retd) | Aubrey Smith | 60 | Doubles 3 |
The picture below shows the full schedule of play, handicaps, and results.
All matches throughout the day were played in great humour with everyone enjoying the opportunity to catch up and play competitive squash. A thank you to all payers for taking their Sunday to come and represent the Army team and some at considerably short notice and considerable distance. Player of the day must go to Gaz Hall, who stepped up to play at No 1 at the last minute and played 3 singles and 3 doubles matches in one day. Game of the day goes to the two Phils (Ashman and Croager) winning their final doubles match 3-2 and with two of the games being won 11-10 in the sudden death format.
Overall, the quadrangular was yet again close fought affair with every 3-2 being instrumental in the result. The Army team successfully retained the trophy, only taking it by four points. We look forward to another close fought competition next year.
Maj Chris O’Brien
Masters Team Captain
Army Squash