England capture women’s title but French turn the tables to win men’s final
By SCARLETT SMITH
England’s women’s squash team became the 2015 European Team Champions after a 2-1 victory against France. The result was reversed in the men’s final as France overcame England on a games count back.
Warwickshire’s Sarah-Jane Perry kicked off proceedings in the final of the European Team Championships in Denmark, clinching a 11/4, 11/6, 2/11, 11/6 win against Coline Aumard.
World number 3 Alison Waters lost out in the next match to Camille Serme 3-1 but Emma Beddoes won the decider 11/5, 11/5 11/4 to give England their 37th European title out of a possible 38.
In the men’s final France grasped an unexpected win against the top seeds England with Gregory Gaultier and Mathieu Castagnet starting strongly with wins against Peter Barker and Daryl Selby.
James Willstrop fought back for England winning 3-2 leaving Chris Simpson the task of not dropping a game to give England a hope of retaining the title.
However, it was not to be for England as Simpson dropped the second game to Lucas Serme, giving France a deserved victory.
European Team Championships, Denmark.
Results:
Women’s Final
Camille Serme (Fra) bt Alison Waters (Eng) 11/7, 11/4, 9/11, 11/5 (45m)
Sarah-Jane Perry (Eng) bt Coline Aurnard 11/4, 11/6, 2/11, 11/6 (36m)
Emma Beddoes (Eng) bt Laura Pomportes (Fra) 11/5, 11/5, 11/4 (28m)
England win 2-1
Men’s Final
Gregory Gaultier bt Peter Barker 12/10, 11/8, 10/12, 11/3 (64m)
Mathieu Castagnet bt Daryl Selby 6/11, 11/9, 11/4, 14/12 (111m inc 15m injury break to Selby)
James Willstrop bt Gregorie Marche 11/5, 7/11, 6/11, 11/8, 11/8 (90m)
Chris Simpson v Lucas Serme 11/5, 5/11 (France win on number of games won)
France win 9 games to 6
Pictures by STEVE LINE (www.squashpics.com)