The Men’s and Ladies Welsh teams embarked on a journey to Uster to participate in the Senior European Team Championships. With high expectations pinned on them, both teams aimed to showcase top-tier performances, solidifying their positions among Europe’s elite.
In the group stages, securing victories was crucial for any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds. The Ladies began with a triumph against hosts Switzerland, followed by a narrow 2-1 loss to eventual champions Belgium. Highlighting the team’s prowess, Welsh Number 1 Tesni Murphy delivered a stellar performance against World Number 4 Nele Gilis, clinching a 3-1 victory. Additionally, Ellie Breach made a notable debut for Senior Wales, underscoring the emerging youth talent within the team. The group concluded with a decisive 3-0 victory over Celtic rivals Scotland, securing a spot in the semi-finals.
The men commenced their campaign with an impressive 3-1 win against a formidable Spanish team, followed by a defeat to eventual champions England. Their group stage finale against Ireland was a must-win encounter, and the Welsh team rose to the occasion, triumphing 3-1 and securing a spot in the semi-finals.
Despite being underdogs in the semi-finals, both teams showcased commendable performances. The Ladies faced England, while the Men took on France. Welsh Number 1 Joel Makin notably defeated France’s World Number 11 Victor Crouin, demonstrating exceptional squash skills.
On the final day, the Men contended for Bronze against Switzerland. Although Elliott Morris Devred secured a win for Wales, close matches led to a narrow defeat, with Switzerland claiming the Bronze.
The Ladies faced France in another closely contested match. Tesni Murphy secured an early lead, followed by a tight encounter with Lowri Roberts and European U19 Individual Runner Up resulting in the match being tied at 1-1. Welsh Number 2 Emily Whitlock held her nerve to clinch a 3-1 victory, securing the Bronze for Wales.
Both teams demonstrated Wales prominence in European Squash, reaching the semi-finals of a prestigious event. This achievement underscores the country’s ability to produce top-level results despite its size. A heartfelt thankyou is extended to all players and physio Libby Mears for their unwavering effort and dedication throughout the event.
Dave Evans
