Comberton's Girls Only Tournament

There is only one conclusion that was reached and it this: that this is the first ever, girls’ only competition in living memory at Comberton (Ask Ray).


After a little over two terms' work with these girls, Julie Miller and myself found them to be ready, and of a sufficient standard, to go into competition. Namely, an all girls tournament. With a ten strong entry we were confident this would be a good show and we weren’t disappointed! 


In the preliminary rounds, nerves played a vital role as everyone started slowly but quickly got into their stride. Gracie, Anna Amy and Josie all made it through to the plate after some fiercely contested matches. Gracie lost in 4 games to Tanvi. Anna put up a spirited defence but Fiona was just too strong.


Amy did really well because of her comparative newcomer status against a seasoned Casey and lost in 3. Josie had the toughest draw of all having to play Mary Snelling the 'veteran campaigner' of the group. Josie lost in 3 but gave Mary a run for her money at times. 


In the main draw Kate made short work of Tanvi proving far too strong in this instance winning 3 nil. Fiona met with Charlotte who was taking no prisoners but Fiona acquitted herself well with a 7/8/6 score line against an altogether focussed opponent. 


 Back in the plate draw things were hotting up. After taking a 2 nil lead over Anna she fought back to 2 each leaving a nail biter. Gracie really pushed hard and won in very tense 5-setter. Josie was always looking like a favourite but Amy surprised us all with some spirited play and Josie didn’t have it all her own way as Amy showed she can mix it up and, although it was over in three, it was a very good game.


Gracie and Josie went in the plate final. This was a superb final Josie winning eventually against a very tired Gracie who was a spent force after her 5-setter. Josie worked hard, served well and closed the game out well. 


The girl’s semi-finals were tense. We have never seen Mary work so hard! She battled and ran against Kate but, in the end, Kate’s power play won the day. Kate goes through to the final in 4. Casey and Charlotte's set two showed that a small lapse in concentration can cost dearly. At 1 each it was close call. Charlotte came back on looking really determined and put in some real gritty work and the rallies were tight but that determination was the turning point and Charlotte won in 4. So Charlotte and Kate made it through to to Club Finals' Sunday.


Each and every girl played well beyond their ability. They rose to the occasion and produced the best squash of their lives. Well done to all the girls that took part - we are very proud of you!!


Good luck to both Charlotte and Kate in the final this Sunday.


Dates for your diary: the last Sunday of each month is national schools team training so please keep it clear. Pizza squash for the penultimate lesson of the term. 


Andy D’Alessandro and Julie ‘Jools’ Miller
Comberton Coaches