Benenden’s squash teams have once again demonstrated their strength and depth, securing places at the National Schools Championships Finals to be held at Edgbaston in March.
Building on last year’s impressive national success – where the U14s finished runners-up in the Championship, the U16s were runners-up in the Plate, and the U18s claimed third place – this year’s teams have continued that momentum in outstanding fashion.
The U16 team confirmed their qualification for the Championship Finals with a crucial victory over Bedford Modern School. Wendy and Pippa set the tone early with hard-fought 2–1 wins. Maria and Chloe followed with strong performances, before Eloise delivered a commanding straight-games victory to seal the result. Winning the majority of matches decisively, the team secured a convincing overall victory and their place in the finals in Birmingham.
The U18 team also produced an excellent display to qualify for the Plate Finals. Victories over Brentwood, Bradfield and Wycombe High ensured they topped their group.
Three straight wins against Brentwood from Skye, Maria, Scarlett and Eloise established early control, while Hanna’s strong contribution ensured a comfortable team result. Confidence continued into the match against Wycombe High, where Maria, Hann and Flora secured convincing wins to earn a second successive victory. The final fixture against Berkhamsted was won comfortably, leaving the team unbeaten across all matches.
Winning all three group fixtures saw the U18s progress confidently to the Plate Finals.
Both teams will now compete at the National Schools Championships Finals at Edgbaston in early March, in a competition organised by England Squash, continuing Benenden’s proud tradition of success on the national stage.