Our U15 boys’ squash team has triumphed in the National Schools Trophy Finals, beating St Wilfred’s in the finals to claim the top spot for the second year running. The Finals, which took place at the National Squash Centre in Manchester, attracted schools from all over the country. Despite a 5.45am start and a long drive all the way to Manchester, the team refused to let tiredness affect them and entered the tournament in fighting spirit.
Early round victories against Oakham School and Dulwich College ensured the boys went through to the semi finals to meet Dame Allans School from Newcastle. Strong performances from Rufus Sowerbutts and Ben Ringrose set the Cheltenham players off to a 2/0 start with Jock Jamieson-Black and Adrian Montagu showing great determination and skill to win their games. In the number one slot, Seb Cheli faced tough opposition and narrowly lost his game but with an overall victory of 4-1 the boys were through to the final.

In the final, Rufus Sowerbutts once again played well to lead the way with a 3/0 victory, whilst Ben Ringrose’s somewhat risky strategy had the spectators on the edge of their seats before he secured the win. Jock Jamieson-Black steamrolled his opponent whilst Cheli again came up against the strongest opposing player, losing 3/0. Adrian Montagu played an inspirational wining match while James Hughes also won his reserve match comfortably. Tired but elated, the boys finally emerged as National Trophy Champions with a 4-1 overall win.

Alan Deadman, Master in charge of Squash at Cheltenham College said: “This is an excellent result for the U15 team. All the players fought really hard to secure their wins, never letting their heads go down when the going got tough which is a real mark of their determination and courage. They were a true credit to College and put Cheltenham firmly on the squash map up North!”

Squad team members in the photo:

Back row left to right: Robert Shepherd (Coach), Ben Ringrose, Rufus Sowerbutts, James Hughes, Alan Deadman (Manager)

Front row left to right: Adrian Montagu, Sebastian Cheli, Jock Jamieson-Black