Welsh Youngsters Front Up at ETCs in Sweden
Wales’ up-and-coming young stars have enhanced reputations and exceeded expectations with exceptional performances at the under 15/17 European Team Championships, held in Malmo, Sweden, from May 10- 13.
With both age-grade squads seeded seventh for the tournament, the two four-person teams proved their worth among the 22 nations represented – including big-hitters England, France and Ireland – to finish sixth overall.
Setting the pace, the u17s stormed out of the blocks with excellent 3-0 wins against Poland and Finland, with strong performances from Layna Beattie, Lewis Poole, Sion Evans and Ryan Lewis – who all notched up impressive victories in their ties.
Day two saw the brakes put on the momentum, with a 3-0 reverse at the hands of France, but some more excellent squash displayed by Poole and Evans saw the team through against Hungary 2-1.
At the same stage, the Wales’ u15s also established an early advantage with successive 2-1 wins over Denmark and Russia, as Tate Harms, Rhys Evans and Daniel Lewis all getting on the board with a ‘W’.
Despite Lewis’ best efforts, the team suffered a 2-1 loss to Ireland, but came roaring back to beat Belgium by the same scoreline, as Evans and Lucy Jones excelled.
Advancing from the groups, both teams faced stern tests against formidable English sides and despite brave performances it was the old enemy who progressed following 3-0 victories.
Dusting themselves off, the u15s bounced back to beat the Netherlands 2-0, with Harms and Evans delivering the goods to place sixth; while a 2-1 win over Ireland, with Poole and Beattie leading the charge, meant the u17s also finished the competition strongly.
Squash Wales congratulates all players who represented their country at the European Team Championships in Sweden.
For the latest news, results and updates, check out the Squash Wales Twitter feed: @sqwales our Facebook page or our website: www.wsrb.co.uk.
Please visit the European Squash Website to view the full list of results from the tournament.
To view photos from the tournament please click here.
Issued on behalf of Squash Wales by Thomas Owain Davies
