The Devon Masters Closed Squash Championships were held at the Devon and Exeter Squash and Racketball Club. The largest entry of 12 was for the over 55’s with rather disappointing entries of 7 for the over 35’s and 5 for the over 45’s with the inaugural over 65 event attracting 4 entries. Unfortunately there were no entries for the Ladies’ events – are Devon ladies afraid to admit their ages?
This was the first time that the Masters had included an over 65 event and it was won by former over 45 and over 55 champion George Aplin who survived a strong challenge from David Hughes in the semi-final before defeating another Welshman, David Jones, in the final.
Peter Reeve retained the over 55 title with straight game wins in the semi-final and final. He has now added two over 55 wins to his impressive record of six wins in the over 45’s and one in the over 35’s.
Paul Smith won his fourth over 45 title with straight game wins in the semi-final and final to add to his impressive seven wins in the over 35 event.
Mike Gregory also had straight game wins in the semi-final and final to record his fourth consecutive win in the over 35. A family double was completed by his brother Paul who won the plate event.
Men’s over 35 Final Mike Gregory (D&E) beat Christian Turner (D&E)
12-10 11-8 11-7
Men’s over 35 Semi-Finals Mike Gregory beat Peter Whiteley (D&E) 3-0
Christian Turner beat Matt Baker (D&E) 3-0
Men’s over 35 Plate Final Paul Gregory (D&E) beat Andy Jones (D&E) 3-0
Men’s over 45 Final Paul Smith (D&E) beat Dave Brown (Fort Stamford) 9-6 9-6 10-9
Men’s over 45 Semi-Finals Paul Smith beat Adrian Henley (D&E) 3-0
Dave Brown beat Rob Brown (Exeter G&CC) 3-0
Men’s over 45 Plate Final Rob Brown beat Ian Bamsey (D&E) 9-5 9-4 9-5
Men’s over 55 Final Peter Reeve (Paignton) beat Dave Maskill (Sidmouth) 9-4 9-4 9-1
Men’s over 55 Semi-Finals Peter Reeve beat Steve Morall (Newton Abbot) 3-0
Dave Maskill beat Andy Mitchell (Paignton) 3-1
Men’s over 55 Plate Final Chris Boumphrey(Tiverton) beat Graham Hopkins(D&E) 9-0 9-4 9-3
Men’s over 65 Final George Aplin (D&E) beat David Jones (D&E) 9-7 9-1 9-1
Men’s over 65 Semi-Finals George Aplin beat David Hughes (D&E) 3-2
David Jones beat Colin Priddle (D&E) 3-0
Men’s over 65 Plate Final David Hughes beat Colin Priddle (D&E) 9-6 9-4 9-4