Friday, March 29, 2024

England and France share European titles

Team England celebrate in Denmark
Team England celebrate in Denmark

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.

Emma Beddoes clinches victory
Emma Beddoes clinches victory

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.

Party time as England celebrate
Party time as England celebrate after victory by Emma Beddoes

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) 

 

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