Epsom’s U16V Squash team performed exceptionally well under pressure to win their Stage 2 group of the National Schools’ competition, thereby qualifying for the finals day of the competition.
The other two teams in Epsom’s group were Simon Langton Grammar School and John Hampden Grammar School.
The team of Stanley Tanguy (G), James Bull (G), Fraser Spalding (Fa), Jack Rumble (P) and Oliver King (Rn) beat Simon Langton comfortably, each player winning 2-0 in a best-of-three-games format; in this match, first seed Stanley Tanguy (G) faced the toughest opponent, but battled hard to win 11-9, 11-8.
As John Hampden also beat Simon Langton by the same margin, it was clear that the Epsom v John Hampden fixture would determine who would top the group. Stanley Tanguy (G) lost the first seed match 1-2, but dug deep in the second game to save two match points and go on to win the game, securing a point for Epsom.
James Bull (G) continued his run of excellent form this term by winning the second seed match 2-0, controlling play through a combination of deep drives and tight drop shots.
Fraser Spalding (Fa), facing a very strong third seed, lost 0-2.
The crucial matches were at fourth and fifth seed. Jack Rumble (P) lost the first game 6-11, but stepped up a gear to win the second game 12-10 and the third 11-9.
Oliver King (Rn) also produced some of his best squash to win narrowly 12-10, 11-8.
By winning the group, Epsom’s U16V qualify for the National finals, which will be played at Nottingham Squash Rackets Club on Thursday 21 March.
