The Junior Hampshire Closed was held at Winchester Squash Club on 23rd/24th September 2006. Entries went out in good time, both on club noticeboards and on the website and the response was good. Ninety entries were received by the closing date and Ronnie Bull was able to organise the monrad system for the Boys Under 19 and Under 17 and for the Girls Under 19/17 and 15 combined. The other competitions had plate competitions for the both first and second round losers with losers of the first round of the plate having a consolation plate. The result was that all players had at least three matches, making it a thoroughly worthwhile and enjoyable week end for them all. Huge gratitude was expressed at the end of the final matches by players, spectators and parents to both Ronnie Bull and Monica Finlayson for making the tournament run so smoothly. The presence of the Guernsey players was also greatly appreciated, together with their supporting staff and parents. The standard of their squash was high, perhaps because of the way their natural talent is identified and coached to bring it out to the full. Also thanks to those adults who helped with the marking and refereeing, notably Derek Bull, Mark Finlayson, Andy Heyes, Gary Hinton and I did a few as well! The players’ conduct on court was as it should be, but it was particularly pleasing to see players competing and showing good sportsmanship, enabling both them and the spectators to enjoy some excellent and exciting matches.
The final positions in each category are below and congratulations to both the winners of titles and those whose turn is still yet to come. All the players entered into the spirit of the event, which continued throughout the weekend and many also showed considerable promise. (Chris Wilson)