For the first time in the College’s history, Epsom has a clean sweep of teams in the National Finals. The U14s and U18s this week joined the U16s to progress to the finals in Nottingham on 23-25 March.
U18s
Epsom’s U18s produced their best squash of the year to win their regional group and qualify for the National Finals.
Epsom were drawn against two of the country’s strongest squash schools, Eton and John Hampden. However, their hard work in training throughout the season paid off, as they won by a convincing 4-1 margin in both fixtures.
Stan Tanguy (G), Luke Camfield (P), Wilf Baker (Fa), Fraser Spalding (Fa) and Ollie King (Rn) can now look forward to competing for national honours in Nottingham.
U16s
After comfortably finishing in first in their group in Stage 1 of the Nationals, in Stage 2, Epsom’s U16s faced another two schools that had topped their group: Brentwood and Trinity.
Epsom’s players knew that victory in both fixtures would secure a cherished place in the National Finals. With all players fit and well-prepared, the strength of Epsom’s team was clearly displayed. Epsom not only won both fixtures, but in doing so, won every match in straight games.
If the team of Luke Camfield (P), Ronnie Hickling (C), Zach Woolven (C), Wilf Baker (Fa) and Luke McBride (GH) can replicate this performances, they will be strong contenders for the national title.
U14s
Meanwhile, the U14s saw off stiff competition from a tough group, including King’s Taunton, Felsted and Trinity. These teams feature a number of high-level county players.
Epsom faced a strong King’s side first. Competitive matches at fourth and fifth seed resulted in narrow victories for the opposition; however, Epsom dominated at the top end, with comfortable victories for the first three seeds.
Epsom stepped up their game in the next two matches, beating Trinity and Felsted 5-0 to win the group.
Epsom’s young team of Ronnie Hickling (C), Zach Woolven (C), Luke McBride (GH), Finn Vowles (Wa) and Luca Nicolosi (GH) hence won the group, and likewise wait in eager anticipation for the National Finals.
