The Virgin Islands (UK) Junior National Squash Team has recorded its best ever set of results with 7 players finishing within the top 8 in the Caribbean within their respective individual competitions at the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships, July 15 – 22, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
“Special mention must go to Ethan Mohamed and Delilah Pease who have become the BVI’s first finalists since 2009. This incredible achievement guarantees them either a silver or gold medal!” said national squash coach, Adam Murrills.
Playing in the semi-finals on July 16, Ethan Mohamed beat Levi Jack from the Cayman Islands 11-5, 11-6, 4-11, 9-11, 11-6. Ethan came out strong and played really well to forge a 2 game lead. He was playing to a good length which was opening up attacking opportunities which he then capitalised on. He took his foot off the gas slightly and his opponent fought back spiritedly to tie things up at 2 games a piece. This went into a 5th a final game decider. Ethan showed great belief and composure to come out at the start of the 5th and re-assert himself. He took an early lead and he never took his foot off the gas, closing it out 11-6 to give the BVI its first, long awaited finalist.
Later in the afternoon, Delilah faced Peyton Marshall-Branc of Barbados and produced a very mature performance. She was feeling the nerves prior to her semi final although her calm conduct gave nothing away. Her serves were on point from start to finish and she placed the ball intelligently away from her opponent whilst moving towards a 3-0 victory, 11-3, 11-4, 11-2. This performance is made all the more impressive by the fact that Delilah is only 8 years old and can compete in this age group for another 2 years.
“While Ethan and Delilah have already created history for the BVI, I know that they are looking forward to putting in another good performance in an attempt to hopefully clinch gold for the territory!” said Coach Murrills.
“All players put in their best efforts including impressive performances and attitudes from the BVI’s 3 debutants – Jakob Noblett, Zivon Abraham and Zane Pretlove,” said Coach Murrills. “Zivon and Zane may not have got the exact results they wanted, however they can be proud of the level they’re playing at and the potential that they’re showing,”
Jakob managed to upset the seedings and make the quarter finals where he only just came up short against a strong player from the Cayman Islands. Darci Reich. Oliver Henderson, Danny Henderson and Zevieh Abraham put in good performances but ultimately lost against strong opponents in their quarter final matches.
The finals take place on Monday, July 17 and will be streamed live on NSC COURT 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a2OjKtpV88
3.10pm – Delilah Oease vs Gia Ghuran (Trinidad and Tobago)
4.10pm – Ethan Mohamed vs Ben Shepherd (Barbados)
