Cornwall Squash and Racketball

Truro S&LC won the Pawle Cup 3-2 against holders Newquay, whilst BUDE SC turned the tables against the Pirates (3-2) by taking the Hine Plate. Both matches went down to the wire in the 5th and final rubbers, a very fitting climax to a great season – by all accounts the bash that followed was greatly appreciated! Many thanks of course to Huw and The Falmouth Club for hosting the event and to Terry Becket, CCSRA President, for presenting the trophies. For more on the finals go to the Pawle and Hine tab under events…..

Great news again for such a small county! Following the successes of our County Juniors and National Schools’ Champions Truro School, it’s now a big shout out for our O45s and O55s masters sides who both made it to the All England Inter-County Squash Finals at the Hallamshire Club, Sheffield at the weekend. The O55s beat Sussex in the quarters but didn’t fair so well against Surrey or Middlesex but ended an impressive 4th. They certainly felt they could have done better had a few not succumbed to something they’d eaten! A place on the podium was certainly merited for the O45s who made it to the grand final against mighty Yorkshire!!! They swept aside both Bucks and Cambridgeshire in commanding style. Second in England is the best ever achievement of any county side from Cornwall. The stuff of legends! Heroes all! 

TR1 Captain and TSLC Chairman Neil Counter will surely feel elated! Truro are County Champions again after taking the title in style by winning both Autumn and Spring Leagues thereby making a play-off unnecessary for the first time since it was introduced. The final fixture of the season was delayed somewhat but by winning 3-1 against club rivals TR3 they ensured both hands on the famous Boardwalk trophy. A night of celebration will not distract from the next objective, the Pawle Cup at Falmouth on Super Saturday 7th May from 2pm – all welcome. Our traditional end of season will see 4 teams in action at Falmouth and plenty of space to pitch a tent should you wish to join the customary jollity including a chance to go OUT OUT in the town! Thank you to Huw et al! Bude look to have booked their place in the Hine Plate Final but two semis will be needed before we know all the teams present at our season’s climax! Watch this space…….

Truro School’s KS5 team became All England National Squash Champions by beating defending champions Wycliffe 4-1 in the final in Nottingham. This is the first time that the school has won a National title at any sport. Team head coach Tim Smith was ably supported by co-coaches Alison Waters and Jamie Lang. This is the culmination of many years of development in squash at Truro School and probably represents thousands of hours of training both before and after school. It is also the first time that a Cornish side has triumphed on the National stage in our sport – a truly historic occasion. You’ll all be familiar with the mini-heroes in Tim’s team as they all play in our CCSRA county leagues another factor in their rapid rise to stardom! Please spread the word and celebrate as you think fit! 

Pawle Cup and Hine Plate Rd 1 and semi-finals scheduled for mid-to-late April, same format with all 6 clubs invited to enter. Towards the end of March an order will be taken from the six clubs which the draw will be based on. The highest placed Div1 club will play the lowest placed Div2 club. 1 v 6, 2 v 5 & 3 v 6. POINTS FOR and AGAINST will determine who proceeds. The highest scoring winning club will earn an automatic place in the final @ FALMOUTH on SUPER SATURDAY 7th MAY. Likewise the highest scoring loser, leaving the others to play out semi-finals.

Cornwall Racketball Champs @ Falmouth 9th and 10th April – Mark Newton organising. More info out in mid-March!

SENIORS @ HOVE SQUASH CLUB in ICC 26/27 Feb. Alan Murray managing the side, Jared capt.; OVER 45s and 55s away in Wilts and Somerset ST PIRAN’S DAY 5th MARCH. Matt Harford and Neil Counter in charge respectively. Results on Leaguemaster.

Mike Clynick RIP

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Falmouth Club stalwart Mike Clynick who was a prominent member of their teams back in the 80s and 90s. He was almost the exact double of his twin brother Andrew, himself a good team squash player of equal ability. Mike was a gritty competitor on court but always the perfect gentleman off it, and he continued to support the club well after his own playing days ended. He will be sorely missed by those in our squash community who remember him from back in the day. RIP Mike. His funeral will take place at Camborne Withen Downs on February 2nd at 1pm followed by a wake at Falmouth Golf Club. A live video link will be available upon request.  Continue reading →

Jared London (Bristol Uni and TR2) wins the County Men’s title for the seventh time as Katrina Thomas claimed her third County Ladies’ title, and young Ben Thorpe let’s everyone know he’s up-and-coming by winning the County Plate. Special thanks to Hatchbox Photography and all our sponsors (listed in the report) for making this a cracking and most memorable bounce back County Championships. Certainly by token of the average age it was a very youthful event which bodes well for the future of Cornish Squash. To see the FULL REPORT and PHOTOS go to EVENTS – COUNTY CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022.