The England Squash Masters Regional events got underway with the Karakal South of England Masters. Going to the lovely Berkhamsted Lawn Tennis and Squash Club for the first time we had a good entry of 182 registered players. Played from 19th to 21st. September 2025 there were some fantastic matches.
WO35/40: An excellent entry with some England regulars and new players as well. The best of the early rounds saw Sophie Beake (BRK) overcome Scotland's Mhairi Gritz in five. She then went out to newcomer Kelly Eastment of Sussex. She then went one better and beat top seed Heather Joy (BUX) a former British Open winner in three competitive games. A first title on debut.
WO45: The top two England stars were the top seeds here. Catherine Ruffle (KNT) and Kate Bradshaw (HFD). Kate Fuller (SFD) had a five-game battle with Helen Knowles (OFE) but was then edged out by Bradshaw 15/13 in the fourth. The inevitable final between the top two saw the Kent woman moving very well and controlling the rallies. Bradshaw, a recent European Champion could not find her way in, and an 8th. Regional for Ruffle.
WO50: Another British Open and European Masters Champion was in action here. Rachel Calver (LEC) is on a great run and the player to beat. There were some good matches. Sarah Parr a former National Champion(BRK) battled through in five against Sam Mueller (BUX) but lost to second seed Louisa Dalwood (HFD) another former National Champion. Calver was too good in the final, however. Dalwood did superbly to take the first 13/11 but Calver went into overdrive and rattled off the next three.
WO55: Former World Champion Mandy Akin (KNT) was playing down an age group but still the class act of the group. Wendy Hiscox (LDN) scored two fine wins including a tough five setter against Alison Goy (NOT) where she had to recover from two games down, but Akin was just too good. A 16th. Regional win for her.
WO60: A close group with International players from England, Ireland and Wales. Top seed Lynne Davies of Wales had a tough five game win over Julie-Anne Pegram (SFK) who in turn won in five against Ireland's Maureen Duke. But Isobel Smith (HFD) came through to the final against Davies and after sharing the first two games 11/9, took the fourth 12/10 for the title, her second Regional.
MO80: Recent European Masters Champion Chris Ansell (BRK) was favourite here but an injury in his second match scuppered his chances. Alan Whittow (BUX) the National Champion and European bronze medallist took advantage to take the title with Leo Kingston (LNH) as runner-up.
MO75: In an event missing a couple of its star performers all time Regional record holder Barry Featherstone (HPH) was looking to extend his wins. He duly reached the final and met his England team mate and many time European circuit winner Bryan Francis (MDX). In a very competitive match of four games two went to 11/9 and two to 12/10, but Featherstone' s experience told and he edged to his remarkable 39th Regional title.
MO70: Top seed Stuart Hardy (WLT) had won everything last season but a summer of injuries had taken its toll and he went out to the Cornwall's in form Dave Matthew in the semi-final. Meanwhile, second seed Mike Quartley (CHS) fell in five to debutant Stephen Cross ( BFD) - but last year's England Captain Robert Houldsworth (LNH) proved too good and with a win against Alan Mackenzie (WKS) got him in the final against Matthew. The Cornishman was too controlled for him, however, and marched to a first Regional title in straight games.
MO65: There were some interesting match ups in this event. Nick Gollaglee's lob and drop game proved too much for Cumbrian Steve Edmondson and the third game 16/14 to the Norfolk man turned it in his favour. He had a five-game match with another wily player in former National Champion Richard Millman (NOR) and it was Millman who took the fifth 11/9. Meanwhile, top seed and four time National Champion Allen Barwise (CBA) progressed to the final and there in spite of dropping the first, had too much power and mobility for Millman. A 6th. Regional for him.
MO60: A major upset here in that top seed Eammon Price (HFD) lost and he rarely does, to 3/4 seed Simon Spencer (NOT) who looks like he has put in some serious work over the summer. 11/9 in the fourth to Spencer and a final against nine-time champion Alex Betts (MDX). In an action-packed match Spencer just found the right shots at the right time and after dropping the first game kept his nose in front in the next three close games. A 2nd Regional for him.
MO55: British Open Masters Champion Gavin Roger-Lund was favourite here but had to work hard to overcome Mark Steeden (KNT) in four close and dramatic games. In the semis he met Sam Hanbury (SSX) who had just survived a five game thriller against Steve Dodridge. (BRK). The top seed found his range and reached the final where Wales star Steve Evans had impressed with his speed and fitness. The final was a terrific struggle with some superb squash, but it was Roger-Lund who emerged with his 4th title in five games in just under an hour.
MO50: One of the largest draws and home player Ali Coker (HFD) was top seed. He took his place in the final without too much trauma but second seed Paul Boyle (BUX) the National Champion had a torrid time going to five with Jason Burgon (CBE) and a close four games with Mark Davis (CBE). Boyle took the first in the final 12/10 but Coker asserted himself and won through in four in 45minutes for his second title.
MO45: Top seed was Paul Warner (BUX) and he had a strong challenge from County colleague Matt Marshall getting through in five games. In the other half a Masters debut for former World Junior team Champion and pro player Lee Jemmett (ESX) was watched with interest. Still playing fantastic squash the final with Warner it was a great match. With a great range of shots from both men it was Jemmett who emerged from the fifth game the victor.
MO40: The outstanding player here was Open and National Champion Phil Rushworth (SRY) and he underlined his class with a series of straight-game wins for the title. All the drama was in the bottom half of the draw as former Open Champion Alex Preston (BUX) survived a five-gamer with Ben Shakespeare (BFD) before being edged out by Jason Varrie (OFE). Rushworth was relentless in the final, however.
MO35: The excellent James Snell (DVN) was top seed here and the National Champion unusually, lost a game, to Oliver Dixon (HFD). The always entertaining Gbenga Adeyi (BFD) overcame Mark McEwen (ESX) in five games but could not break through against Snell in spite of some outrageous shots. Meanwhile, England captain Jamie Douglas (NLD) was coming through the other half. John Welton (AVN) took him to five and his County teammate David Allman pushed him hard, but Douglas booked his place in the final. Unfortunately, he suffered a hand injury and had to retire with Snell ahead. A third Regional for the Devon man.
Thanks were given to the Regional Circuit sponsors Karakal and members and officials at the club which proved to be an excellent venue. And of course the ESM Committee who organised the event, especially the Event Manager, Brian 'Badger' Brock.
Stuart Hardy
Chairman