North East 2010

Left to Right Paul Jordan, David Macdonald, Ben May and Colin Griggs (Coach)

Continuing the 4 year tradition of UK tours on the August bank holiday weekend, it was the north east's turn to host the touring party. Starting at Grantham Squash Club on Friday 27th, the tour then travelled through Lincoln, Hull and finished in Pontefract on Sunday 29th.

360 miles covered three pre-season training matches, one on-court training session and many other 'skill-challenges' off the court as part of another great project. Paul Jordan (17), David MacDonald (18) and Ben May (18) were lead by Colin Griggs (SA Head Coach) over the three day trip which again proved to be a superb team building event as well as a training platform outside the club.

Grantham pitted the team against senior opposition, with Paul Jordan emerging as the star performer battling to a great 3-2 victory. Home advantage and a steely determination not to lose "to a bunch of kids" produced a tough environment for the youngsters, and one they'll learn a lot from. 3-1 to Grantham was the final score line.

Lincoln turned into a training session due to the opponents pulling out at the 11th hour, and from there the team moved north to Hull. The club that hosted has a well developed junior section, so the second match had a more familiar feel. Ben May stepped up his game this time round, against an awkward and determined opponent. Having gone behind twice, he controlled the final game with some well constructed rallying to win an epic 3-2 match. The whole team produced good squash to win 3-0.

Saturday evening continued in competitive match play…..this time at 10 pin bowling. The coach put the youngsters in their place, and proved that power wasn't always necessary. 3 down, 1 to go.

Pontefract Squash Club is one of the leading clubs in the country, and provided by far the sternest challenge of the weekend in the last match. All the team performed admirably against quality opposition, with David MacDonald challenging a vastly experienced opponent. 0-4 loss, but a great end to the tour.

Following on from the huge success of Canada and Portugal, next year should be another superb year for The Sports Academy juniors as the team provides opportunities that very few squash players ever get.