Fergus Richards & Gary Beales display the tournament shirts
ESF Junior season under way in Edinburgh 22-Jul-07:
Paul Frank reports from Heriot-Watt University
The inaugural Heriot-Watt University Junior Open was conducted in
Edinburgh this past weekend.
The
HWUJO is notionally the first event on the 2007-2008 European Squash
Federation Junior Calendar and although very much smaller than
established events such as the DJO and Pioneer it featured a variety
of participants from Great Britain, continental Europe and North
America.
Scots dominated the older age groups with Lyall Paterson and
Lisa Aitken both winning the U/19 events without dropping a
game. The event was Lisa's final hit out before departing for the
World Junior Women's Championships in Hong Kong later this month.
Ian Jubb defeated Luxembourg's Daniel Hutchines in the final
of the boys U/17 to win an ESF title on home soil for the first
time. Lydia Smith of the USA, fresh from Stuart LeGassick's
camp in Edinburgh, was the top finishing U/17 girl ahead of Italy's
Federica Defazio.
The U15 boys saw Douglas Kempsell upset the seedings to
defeat Greg Lobban in a hard fought all-Scottish final. Similarly in
the girls event Hayley Mendez defeated a determined Lindsay
Ackers to cap off a good performance from the young American.
Kirsty Lobban finished ahead of Welsh girl Ellie Hewer in the
girls u/13 with both girls quite young for the age group and
hopefully benefiting from the experience.
Albie Gibbs beat Michael Craig of Ireland in a whole hearted
encounter in the boys U/13 to claim a title for England. Albie was
dominant throughout the event and impressed with both his attitude
and skilful approach to the game.
Competitors were well attired thanks to event sponsors Tecnifibre
and the venue was immaculately maintained by the staff at Heriot-Watt
University without whose support the tournament could not have
occurred.
Thanks go to Scottish National Coach Roger Flynn and our core
of volunteers led by Linda Davie along with Yvonne and
Dave Ferguson.
Alex Finch & Albie
Gibbs
Boys U15 final:
Doug Kempsell & Greg Lobban
The Irish contingent: Martin Woods, Cathryn Abernethy,
Ben Craig, Michael Craig, Peter Murphy
The
HWUJO is notionally the first event on the 2007-2008 European Squash
Federation Junior Calendar and although very much smaller than
established events such as the DJO and Pioneer it featured a variety
of participants from Great Britain, continental Europe and North
America. 
