After returning from the 2011 Island Games with five of the six gold medals on offer, Jersey had a weight of expectation on their shoulders, and so far they have delivered. The Taylors clinched the first two golds on offer and today presents the opportunity for two more – although not entering the women’s doubles does prevent them from claiming all six. They have, however, tried to recruit a Channel Television employee, Rowena Hockey, to stand in, so all might not be lost.
Having safely progressed through the opening three rounds on stifling, non-air-conditioned courts at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association on Sunday, top seed Nick carried his excellent form into yesterday, beating Bermudan Micah Franklin 3-0 to reach the final having not dropped a single game en route. In the other semi-final, Mike Hopkins overcame Anthony Brindle 3-0 to set up an all-Jersey final clash. But it proved a tough, full-on encounter, with no quarter asked or given.
Taylor, who has never lost to former pro Hopkins, again held his nerve to win 3-0 (11-7, 11-4, 11-4) and retain the title he claimed in the Isle of Wight. More’s the pity he can’t defend it in Jersey in two years’ time – squash has, of course, been omitted from the Games.
