Over 70 players from across Wales, alongside Welsh players based abroad, converged on the Welsh National Squash Centre in Cardiff over the weekend of 31 January – 1 February to compete for the prestigious Welsh Junior Closed titles. With national honours on the line — and the added incentive of national selection for the upcoming 5 Nations and European Team Championships — the standard of squash on display was exceptionally high.
A huge thank you goes to the referees and event officials whose professionalism ensured the championships ran smoothly throughout the weekend. The atmosphere inside the centre was electric, with squash played hard but fair and enjoyed by an appreciative crowd.
It was particularly heartening to see strong participation in the U11 boys’ and girls’ events, highlighting the positive future of Welsh squash and the continued strength of the grassroots pathway.
Results Summary
Girls U11
Clara Martin (Cowbridge Squash Club) claimed the title with an impressive performance, defeating Lauren Kerry (Rhiwbina) in the final.
Boys U11
An all-Merthyr final saw Manny Taylor crowned champion at just eight years of age, overcoming clubmate Efan Davies in a highly competitive match.
Girls U13
Rising star Heidi Hales (Bridgend) produced a composed display to defeat Poppy Lancaster (Merthyr) and secure the Welsh title.
Boys U13
Mashhour Gadallah continued his strong season by defeating Owain Howe (Bridgend) to lift his first Welsh Junior Closed crown.
Girls U15
Eliza Hales demonstrated her class and consistency, overcoming Grace Breach to take the title.
Boys U15
Salah Farrag justified his high European ranking with a dominant performance, defeating Leon Lauder (Porthmadog) in the final.
Girls U17
Erin Lauder proved too strong for Madalena Sidoli, showing great composure to secure the championship.
Boys U17
Ethan Willis (Wrexham) edged a thrilling final against Hugh Padayachy in one of the closest contests of the weekend.
Girls U19
Millie Breach delivered a commanding performance to claim another Welsh title, underlining her status as one of Wales’ leading junior players.
Boys U19
The match of the tournament came in the U19 boys’ final, where Archie Davies Clarke (David Lloyd Cardiff) won the Welsh title after a marathon encounter against Declan Cottrell, who produced an outstanding runner-up performance in one of the most physically and mentally demanding matches of the championships.
A huge thank you to all players, officials, referees, parents and organisers who contributed to another highly successful Welsh Junior Closed Championships. Your continued support and commitment are vital in creating positive competition environments and developing the next generation of Welsh international players.
Regards,
Greg Tippings
National Performance Coach – Squash Wales
