IAPS Squash Success

Published by Lockers Park School on Monday 1st of May 2023

This year, 6 boys travelled to Nottingham University to represent the school at the annual IAPS National Squash Championships. Schools from all over the country attend the competition and our squad had prepared brilliantly, under the guidance England Level 3 and school coach Steve Lloyd.

A strong start from all the boys saw them secure wins in the group stages, including a dominate performance from Leon winning 11/2, 11/1 and Thomas 11/3, 11/2. Aleks, Ethan, Ollie and Ed all wining group games along the way. A notable group stage game was Ollie winning his 3rd game in a close 11/9, 11/10 encounter.

4 of our squad Qualified into the main Cup round of 16, with our other two squad members into the Open Bowl. This was a fantastic effort form the boys and the first time Lockers Park has had 4 boys in the main knockout stage.

 Leon was unfortunately drawn against the eventual winner, so entered the Plate competition, whilst Ethan went up against an eventual semi-finalist and also entered the plate competition. Aleks and Thomas both fought hard in their Round of 16 matches and progressed to the Open Cup Quarter finals. A fantastic achievement for both boys, especially Thomas as a Year 7. Incredibly tough quarter finals saw both boys battle incredibly hard, but unfortunately both bowed out the main cup competition.

Whilst the main competition was taking place, our boys were progress in the bowl and plate competitions, with a Lockers head-to-head in the Plate Semi final where Leon faced Ethan. The boys played a game that was worthy of the plate final with Leon coming out on top 11/9, 12/10. This mean that Leon progressed to the Plate final and Ethan into the 3rd place playoff match.

I am pleased to say, both boys were in control and dominant in their medal matches, Ethan winning 2-0 (11/6, 11/4) and finishing 3rd in the plate, whilst Leon cruised to victory 2-0 (11/1, 11/2) in the plate final.

It was a fantastic championship for Lockers Park and the boys worked incredibly hard across the two days. Fingers crossed for next year as we look to return to IAPS with some new faces and the same goal of winning some silverware.