National and International Success for Squash and Racketball
Over the last week, two squash and racketball members, Jo Perriam and Ioan Sharpe, along with Head Squash and Racketball Professional, Mike Harris, have been competing for national titles and in global tournaments.
Across the weekend, there was a double success. Mike and Jo both secured titles at the National Racketball Championships at the Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham.
Jo was imperious in winning her first national title in the Ladies Over 50s event. She did not drop a game throughout her three matches, playing some high quality racketball. She also acquitted herself well in the Ladies Open event against the top players in the country.
Mike was pushed incredibly hard in the final against Guy Pearson from Warwickshire, who is widely recognised as one of the top players in the UK. The match lasted over an hour with both players using all corners of the court in a tough, physical battle. Mike prevailed 3-1 to take his seventh consecutive national title.
As Jo and Mike were battling for their titles, another member was on his way back from the USA having competed in the World Under 19 Squash Championships in Houston, Texas.
Ioan Sharpe, fresh from winning the Italian Open and having recently achieved a top 3 ranking in Europe, competed against the best players in the world in a 256 man draw.
Despite a tough draw, Ioan reached the 3rd round, eventually placing in the top 50 in the event after reaching the final of the round of 64 plate. This is a fantastic achievement given the resources available to other countries.
Ioan has spent most of his junior career being coached by Mike Harris and will be looking to progress in the professional ranks later this year. Ioan, now 18 years old, has played at Exeter Golf and Country Club since relocating to Exeter from Wales at the age of 6.
Congratulations to all three players for their incredible achievements.
