Old-timers excel at revived ancient sport

Squash-tennis was the forerunner of the modern game of squash and was played predominantly in clubs and universities in the north-eastern states of America but declined in popularity before the Second World War.

It was exported to England in 1905 when American Charles Garland built a real tennis court in Moreton Morrell near his new country house, Moreton Morrell Hall, which is now part of Warwickshire College.

As part of his sports complex, he included a squash-tennis court, which is roughly the same size as a squash court but with wood-panelled walls.

Players used lawn tennis rackets and balls of the period and a squash-style scoring system.

The historic court had been falling into disrepair until last year when the members of the real tennis club decided to restore it and held a number of events to raise the funds for the extensive refurbishment.

Shaw-Hamilton, who won the world over-60s real tennis singles and doubles titles in January, had to fight off a strong challenge in a hard-fought knockout squash-tennis tournament that attracted more than 20 players.

In the semi-finals, he put out club chairman Sir Andrew Hamilton 15-6 thanks to his extra speed around the court and weight of shot.

In the other half of the draw, David Bryant survived a spirited challenge from Lyndon Haworth to win 15-11 but in the final he found Shaw-Hamilton’s explosive hitting too much to handle and went down 15-12.

Shaw-Hamilton continues to roll back the years and is the club’s reigning real tennis champion, a title he has won 13 times.

Former world real tennis singles and doubles champion Jones, a former Warwickshire county tennis and squash player, also faced tough opposition in the women’s event, trailing the lively Jill Slora in the semi-finals before staging a dogged comeback to win 15-7.

The consistent Irene Paxton from Leamington Tennis Club breezed past Lainey Atkins 15-4 in the other semi-final and started strongly in the final, wrong-footing Jones with some clever drop shots.

From 5-5, however, Jones raised the pace, using the width of the court and volleying incisively to win a highly-competitive encounter 15-9.

“This was a really successful squash-tennis championship,” said club chairman Sir Andrew Hamilton. “And, although we are all newcomers at this ancient game, it was notable that two of the club’s best squash players contested the men’s final.

“It is extremely energetic and terrific for fitness but also demands guile and canny tactical play and it’s already becoming very popular with players of all ages.

“This is the only squash-tennis court in existence in the UK, so in Olympic year it’s satisfying to be reviving a game of such historic interest.”

The club are keen to give as many people as possible the chance to try their hand at real tennis and squash-tennis and have professionals on hand to oversee trial sessions for newcomers who might be interested in joining the club.

On Sunday, the Moreton Morell club are also offering a free real tennis coaching session for females under 25 under the tutelage of women’s world champion Claire Vigrass.

Beginners’ coaching begins at 10am, with a session for intermediates in the afternoon.

Anyone interested in trying out either game should contact the club on 651229.