England’s European team success inspired by Beddoes and Perry

Despite missing world number four Laura Massaro, who is taking a break from competitive squash, England underlined their strength in depth by claiming the title with a 2-1 win over France in a hard-fought final.

England received the perfect start when Kenilworth’s Perry defeated Coline Aumard, the world number four 11-4, 11-6, 2-11, 11-6 in 36 minutes.

France levelled when Camille Serme, repeated her recent Windy City open victory over Middlesex’s Alison Waters at the top of the order.

Waters’ 7-11, 4-11, 11-9, 5-11 defeat was England’s first lost rubber in this year’s championship.

It then all came down to the no.3s and Leamington-born Beddoes proved too strong for world number 56 Laura Pomportes as she powered home 11-5, 11-5, 11-4 in 29 minutes.