Big weekend at Edgbaston Priory
By JAMES ROBERTS
All roads lead to Birmingham this weekend as the finals of the National Club Championships takes place at Edgbaston Priory.
A total of 75 teams entered the group stages back in October 2016 across a variety of categories, including Men’s, Women’s, Mixed O35’s, O45’s, O55’s, Mixed Juniors Squash and Racketball.
In the Men’s, favourites Roehampton will be looking to defend their 2016 title, but will face stiff competition from Colets and the home team and 2015 Champions Edbaston Priory.
Roehampton’s strong squad includes Tom Richards, Joe Lee, Charles Sharpes, Robbie Temple and Matt Hopkins, while Colets’ impressive line-up boasts Daryl Selby, Richie Fallows, Angus Gillams and Lance Beddoes.
Edgbaston Priory will prove strong contenders as well, with the likes of Joel Makin, Jamie Haycocks, Jan Van Der Herrewegen and Chris Ryder making up their squad. The other clubs competing in the men’s event are Pontefract, Grantham, Vivo (Bristol), Carlisle and Nottingham SRC.
The women’s event is expected to see Kenilworth and Colets battle it out for the title. The Kenilworth squad includes Sarah-Jane Perry, Tesni Evans and Natalie Townsend, whilst Colets will be represented by Alison Waters, Coline Aumard and Alison Thomson. Edgbaston Priory Club, last year’s champions and the Army Ladies Team are the other semi-finalists.
Mike Harris (Tournament Director) said; “Edgbaston Priory Club are delighted to organise and host such a prestigious event and even more delighted to announce that No5 Barristers’ Chambers have signed a three-year sponsorship deal. We are looking forward to working with our partner to help grow the National Club Championships making it England’s premier Squash and Racketball club event.”
Tony McDaid, Chief Executive and Director of Clerking, said: “No5 Barristers’ Chambers are delighted to partner with Edgbaston Priory Club and sponsor the National Club Championships. The Squash and Racketball club championships is set to be a brilliant event at a very prestigious venue.”
The Finals event takes place over the full weekend, Saturday 22nd April to Sunday 23rd April with free admission for spectators.
Full results will be reported on Squash Mad