SQUASH
Squash players make the national finals in this increasingly popular sport .
Every lunchtime and after school the squash courts are packed with new people eager to throw themselves at a fresh challenge , some of whom have since been fortunate to even represent the school in various fixtures and matches across the country .
The boys ’ U14A team have had an almost undefeated season , losing only to Epsom College , just to beat them only three months later ! The girls ’ and boys ’ U16A teams both qualified for the regional championships , and both came third , just narrowly missing out ( by a couple of points !) on a spot at the national finals .
This year , three of our teams , the U14A girls , U14A boys and U18A girls , qualified for the national finals in Birmingham . I was a part of the U18A girls ’ team which made it all the way to the semi-finals , where we met Gosforth , who put up a very strong team . Despite our combativity and perseverance , we narrowly lost 4-1 . This meant that our objective now was to make it onto the podium . After a close final in which we gave everything , we came third and were delighted . The U14 boys and girls also did well and finished fourth and fifth respectively .
Over and above the Sevenoaks team achievements , there were some individual successes with Ethan Hu , Arnav George , Dehong Kong , Samuel Ide and Carlota Hermer all selected to play for Kent in the intercounties , some even reaching the finals in Sheffield . I was selected to play for France U17 in the European championships , where the team won a silver medal .
None of this , of course , would be possible without the enthusiasm and coaching skills that Zeb Young brings to every session , or the organisation of Mr Emmitt , Head of Squash , for which all of us are extremely grateful . Let ’ s hope next year brings more successes !
Ciara Boulanger , Year 10
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2023-2024
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