Bishop's Stortford Squash Club

STORTFORD’S TOP JUNIORS HEAD TO BRITISH NATIONALS
British Junior Nationals Pre-Tournament Report

by Fred Lane
(See Fred’s tournament predictions at the end of this report)

28th - 31st Oct 09 National Squash Centre, Manchester

For full results as they happen click these links - England Squash -  Squashsite.co.uk

Bishop’s Stortford Squash Club can be proud of many successes over recent years and our juniors give us yet more to be proud of.

We have no fewer than 2 girls and 3 boys each competing at various levels in the forthcoming British Junior National Championships. Is this a record of some kind? I’m pretty confident that we must be the most represented club at this year’s nationals! Well done to all those who drive our Junior scene. And for our kids entering this great event.
All the best junior squash talent from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern  Ireland will compete at the prestigious National Squash Centre as well as Manchester Northern Club in Didsbury, Manchester.

Each one of Stortford’s talented players has their own story to tell. Where shall I begin?

It’s probably fitting to talk about Charlie Johnson first. Why? Because he has risen from absolute obscurity to first team squash in less than 3 years. A monstrous achievement! How does he do it? Probably sheer determination and hours and hours of practice. Rumour has it, he occasionally does fitness work too but that might just be a Tim Dixon rumour.
What else about him? Although he has a little dog and a little moped, he has big personality and confidence to match. Above all, he has a strong chance of creating some upsets this weekend amongst the bigger hitters in the U19 draw.

Next up is Nick Mulvey who often turns up at the party with his bag of tricks. One year ago, he was coming out of under 15’s as a top ranked junior and is now cementing his place as a top under 17’s player. His style is often one of total relaxation and phenomenal natural balance. He has lots of junior circuit experience to draw on and will need to play his best ever squash this weekend if he wants to shine in what I would describe as the toughest group of all.

Tim Dixon is always unassuming and ready to be the slippery banana in any draw because his ranking has never represented his true ability. This boy plays when he likes, wherever he likes and just isn’t interested in ranking points. Put any decent player on court with Tim and it could well be an early shower for him. Tim is competing in the U19’s for the first time and must play 2 qualifying rounds if he is to proceed to the main draw. That won’t bother him as long as he’s wearing his trademark tournament bandana! I tip him to get to the main draw and if he can avoid the top 8 seeds, he could progress far.

Brogan Lane begins the first of two years in U17’s and similar to Nick has gained a lot of experience which is beginning to come together as some of our club members in P1 and P2 may testify to. The only junior who wears make-up on court, Brogan can be devastatingly effective on court against pretty much any junior girl in England. Now part of the England squad, Brogan’s height, strength and determination is beginning to show. She has a favourable draw whilst hitting some great form at the moment. If she progresses to round 2, every girl she’ll play, Brogan has never beaten. But that was last year!

Hannah Mulvey is developing into a very promising young player aged only 12. With thanks to some great coaching from Lauren Selby and some good junior circuit results, Hannah can upset the form as easily as her bigger brother. The Mulveys must have upset someone at England squash though, as similar to Nick, Hannah has not had the easiest of draws, scheduled to play the No2 seed in the 2nd round.

Knowing who and what I know, I have made the following predictions for our junior stars

Tim Dixon ranked 47 (U17’s), first qualifying match Vs Mark Broekman (Gloucestershire)
Prediction: 2nd round.

Odds for winning Nationals 16/1

Nick Mulvey ranked 12 (U17’s) and 28 (U19’s)
Prediction: Get past James Earles(No1 seed) in round 2, it’s yours mate!

Odds for winning Nationals 16/1

Charlie Johnson ranked 80 (U19’s). First qualifying round Vs Ali Jafari (Warwickshire).
Prediction: 1st round main draw.

Odds for winning Nationals…Get out of here!

Brogan Lane ranked 13 (U17’s) and 26 (U19’s). First round Vs Lauren Bayliss(Lancs)
Prediction: Quarter-finals.

Odds for winning Nationals 8/1

Hannah Mulvey , ranked 13 (U13s). First round Vs Kace Bartley, Surrey. Due to meet No2 seed Elin Harlow (Wales) in round 2.
Prediction: If she beats Elin, then why not go all the way?

Odds for winning Nationals 16/1

Fred’s National Junior title predictions

U19 boys – Charles Shapes   (Surrey)     (actual winner - Ben Coleman)
U19 girls – Millie Tomlinson  (Derb)       (actual winner - Millie Tomlinson)
U17 boys – James Earles      (Yorks)      (actual winner - Oliver Holland)
U17 girls – Emily Whitlock    (CHS)        (actual winner - Emily Whitlock)
U15 boys – Richie Fallows     (Essex)      (actual winner - Richie Fallows)
U15 girls – Eleanor Lake       (Glo)         (actual winner - Eleanor Lake)
U13 boys – Patric Rooney     (Mer)         (actual winner - James Peach)
U13 girls – Eleanor Epke       (Avon)       (actual winner - Eleanor Epke)

Report and Predications by Fred Lane