Rotterdam 2009 The Dutch played Hosts again, at the very splendid Victoria Club in Rotterdam for the 2009 Friendship Cup.
Played between Ireland, England and Holland this tournament is in its 12th year, which has been largely dominated by the Dutch.
The tournament is open to all juniors by initiation from Merseyside, Romford in Essex and Carlow in Ireland. It attracts players of all abilities from ranked internationals to beginners.
However, Merseyside winners of the competition for the past 2 years and gathered together the youngest squad ever. The ages ranged from 9 to 15. This squad was drawn mainly from the successful Liverpool Squash Academy and the talent, skill and determination impressed all.
The tournament ran through from Friday night to Saturday with the winners Holland scoring 44 points to Merseyside 29.
All the players acquitted well with the notables being Katrina Burrows and Sam Sheen taking on the Dutch internationals Laura and Ilona Lagerweij Laura Lagerweij ranked 19 in Europe, played Katrina Burrows 3-0 to Katrina 11-9 17-15 14-12 Ilona Lagerweij : played Sam Sheen, ranked 3 in Europe, 3-1 to Ilona
Both matches had all the hallmarks of greatness.
With the Old Y squash re-opened as Central Fitness, but now only having 4 courts it’s difficult to hold the Friendship Cup anywhere but Holland.
Our Dutch hosts in their generosity have agreed to run the 2010 tournament again if no other venues can be found.
