The annual Epsom College parents v pupils squash tournament was held on Monday evening but with a slight change of format from previous years.
Whilst the supper that followed the tournament remained at the Headmaster’s house, the squash matches themselves were hosted by the Royal Automobile Club in the splendid setting of Woodcote Park, with a number of RAC members joining the parents’ team to take on the might of the pupils.
Some 11 pupils of varying standard, from the experienced to young, emerging talent, represented the College – Alastair Green, George Piggot, Cornelius Lee, Josh Costain, Edward Bramworth, Nick Whitehead, Adam Keop, James Patterson, Elliott Rumble, Brian Mabbutt and Giles Baker.
Lined up against them were parents, Roger Koep, Martin Morris, Tamsin Bennett, Matthew Costain, Graham Whitehead and Richard Rumble, RAC members, James Dubois and Tim Lawford, and Headmaster, Jay Piggot, Master in charge of Squash, Murray Tod, and Head of Photography, Rob Johnstone.
The evening proved to be a triumph, with a combination of hotly contested singles and doubles matches producing some squash play of the highest order. It was also an excellent learning curve in the art of doubles play for some of the younger College players.
Not surprisingly, perhaps, the guile and tenacity of the parents, RAC members and staff shone through in winning the overall doubles fixture, but with youth on their side, the College team just managed to just sneak home in the singles.
The evening concluded with the customary supper, and entertaining speeches, which allowed all involved to reflect upon a thoroughly entertaining event, which proved to be excellent preparation for the squash 1st V’s involvement in the prestigious Roehampton squash tournament on Sunday 13th March.
The College is indebted to Daniel Zammit-Lewis, the RAC’s squash club professional, for his exceptional organisation of the event, and Judge Jeff Blackett, President of Racquets at the RAC, for the hospitality provided and for allowing the RAC’s pristine courts to be used for the tournament.