Keeping it very professional, our teams had a restful Monday evening in the hotel to prepare for the World Squash Junior Championships day ahead, writes junior performance coach David Noone.
For what felt like the 300th grilled chicken and rice in the hotel restaurant – the waiter hardly needs to ask us anymore – some treatments from Breanne Flynn and a good snooze, everyone was feeling ready.
First matches on Tuesday were 12pm for the girls and 3pm for the boys. The girls got to the club early, did a nice team practice, organised their hydration and prepared for the second best team in the world, the formidable Hong Kong China. The order of play was 1,2,3… and Ella Erickson was resting for this match.
The goal for our players was to test their level: Not to allow their opponents to dominate, to structure the rallies professionally, and take their chances when they came. Every point would be hard-earned. We knew that going in, and the girls put in an amazing effort.
Ella Walsh had to step up a few levels, never knowing where the ball was going and being under relentless pressure. She managed brilliantly and showed great resolve.
Zoe Yeomans was similar, working hard for every opportunity, digging deep and making the points hard.
Riley Slade played her heart out. An outstanding performance, getting close in the mid-section of each game and almost taking the lead a few times. She gave her all.
From a coach’s perspective, I’m delighted with their efforts. All players lost 3-0 but put up a great fight. That is sometimes all we can do against the second best in the world.
The lads had Germany: a stern test, but well within their capabilities to get the win. Danny Lynch was up first, then Conal Jackson and Aaron Knox.
A super high pace was set in the opening game for Danny. For me, it came as a bit of a surprise, but Danny had no issue with it. Playing mature squash, he turned the pressure back on his opponent. He had to work hard for his 3-0 win, with some superb dynamic movements and high-level shot selections.
Conal was up next. He has had an epic few days of squash, and his body was perhaps a little weary, but he fought valiantly to win a tough opening game. The German levelled a close second with some hard, frantic hitting.
But once Conal got composed and thought about his ball placement and accuracy, the German never stood a chance. A 3-1 win for Conal secured the tie, and the Germans decided not to play the dead rubber. This was slightly disappointing for Aaron, who would have relished the opportunity to clock up another victory.
To break the monotony of hotel-squash club-hotel-squash club… Ella Erickson’s father arranged the most amazing cruise on the River Nile for the team and supporters. What a night it was, a pure treat with amazing views and great food on board. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that everyone thoroughly enjoyed!
Even with the chaotic Cairo traffic, we still managed to get an early night to prep for Wednesday. The girls will face Macau China, and the boys take on New Zealand.
