Harry Chapples Squashes Opponents
On Saturday 23rd November, Harry Chapples temporarily traded in his maroon Shiplake sports kit for a Buckinghamshire polo shirt to represent his county in stage 2 of the Under 17s ICC Squash Championships. The 5-strong team were drawn against Oxfordshire, Kent and Middlesex in this regional round of the tournament. Players compete in 3 individual matches against the equivalent seed in each other county.
The pressure was on from the first point, as Buckinghamshire knew they had to finish in the top 2 in order to qualify for the national finals. Harry made a significant contribution to the cause, winning his matches 3-0, 3-1 and 3-1. His 2nd match against Kent was a particularly difficult encounter against a strong opponent, but Harry battled through to win with a game to spare.
Buckinghamshire came top of the group of 4 counties, and will now go on to play in the National ICC Championships in January. They will be up against the very best counties in the country, with Suffolk tipped as Buckinghamshire’s major competitors for the national crown. Harry is now aiming to move up the county rankings in time for this tournament in order to face better opponents and test himself at the highest possible level.
Away from county level, Harry also plays for Beaconsfield Squash Club. He is the current Junior champion in the Under 17 and Under 19 age groups; an impressive accolade. His talent means that he is occasionally called upon to represent the senior men’s team, and often enjoys helping to coach the club’s younger players.
Harry describes his major strengths as ‘consistency’ and ‘quick movement’, with his never-say-die attitude allowing him to return almost every shot. He waits for his opponent to make a mistake and then invariably punishes them with a rasping forehand.
We wish Harry the best of luck for the national finals in January, and will be sure to update you with how he gets on!
