A TURPIN SHOWDOWN in last Friday night’s ladies final, saw 19-year-old Amelie Turpin overcome mother Susan Turpin in a compelling 3-2 thriller.
With a full crowd watching and cheering both players on, scores were level at 8-8 in the final game.
The younger Turpin kept her composure and, with a combination of good serving and brave winners, closed out the match well to seal the decider 11-8.
For Amelie, this was a first win against her mum, and she really raised her game for the finals.
Susan described herself as “very proud of her daughter”, but has also vowed to be back next year.
The hope for the Island’s squash contingent is that the teenage Turpin’s triumph will spur on more of their junior girls to follow in her footsteps.
In the men’s main event, Matt Boote and Scott Gautier put on an exhibition of squash, with an outstanding display of racket control and athleticism.
In the third game, Gautier’s antics drew the support of the crowd and, as a final effort, he won five points on the trot to heap the pressure on.
However, Boote’s performance was truly class, displaying all the qualities of a worthy champion and he eventually won 3-0.
The men’s event dates back to 1937 and the original trophy, engraved with the names of several Jersey squash legends, was awarded to Matt Boote.
The victorious Boote spoke after his win, expressing his delight at lifting the historic trophy.
“It’s a wonderful feeling, to get to put my name on that trophy that dates back to the 1930s is something I’m extremely proud of.
“The Island has a proud history of squash and to be among it now is a great feeling.”
Ever humble, he also shared a word on his opponent and great friend: “It was a joy to share the court and do battle with my good friend Scott Gautier, who is becoming a legend of the Jersey squash scene.
“It was an excellent match and he made me work really hard for it, but it was thoroughly enjoyable as well.”
Boote and teenager Turpin will both play for the Jersey squash team at this year’s Orkney Island Games.
The squash community are relishing the sport’s inclusion at the Island Games, the first time since Gibraltar in 2019, where the Jersey team won a silver medal.
In the Over 35s final, Ian “Fuggy” Furness, nowadays mainly known for his racketball, beat Steve McMahon 3-0.
In the Over 55s final, training partners John Hibbs and John Wood played out a friendly but competitive game, which Hibbs won 3-0.
The Men’s plate final saw Dave Young beat James Moxham 3-2.
In Over 35s plate, Andy Le Put beat Seb Cole and in the Over 55s plate, Chris Burn beat Graeme Tanguy.
In the Ladies Plate final, Georgie Durrell beat Sienna Bobus (age 15).
The event saw lots of new junior players enter and holding their own.
Jersey Squash extended their thanks to the organisers Antony Harkin, Tom Price and Sue Turpin, committee members, bartenders and caterers for making it such a successful event.
This weekend sees the Jersey Squash and Racketball club host the Island Junior Championships, sponsored by TLC Finance.
Squash and racketball have several events planned for 2025: the inter-insular, hosted in Guernsey on 8 March; the European Team Championships taking place in Malta between 2-5 April; and the Island Games in Orkney.
Jersey Squash would love to hear from anyone interested in sponsoring any of their events.
For further information on squash and racketball in Jersey, email Susan Turpin info@jerseysquash.org.je.
