England claim gold and silver at European Teams

Howard Harding reports

For the fifth year in a row, England and France contested both the men's and women's finals in the European Team Squash Championships with England successfully defending the women's title for the eighth successive year, and England winning silver in the men’s.

With all four squad members boasting world top 20 rankings, England were firm favourites to triumph in the women's event - but had to come from behind in the final when France's six-time European Individual champion, Camille Serme beat England number one Laura Massaro in straight games in the opening match.

Undaunted, Massaro's team-mates Alison Waters and Victoria Lust soon restored order for the favourites, beating Coline Aumard and Melissa Alves, respectively, in straight games to keep the trophy in English hands.

David Campion, National Coach said:

“The ladies were a dominant force today. Clearly the top string match was about who could get their level out on the day. However, we had enough strength in the team and both Alison and Vicky showed their class.”

Seeded one and two in the men's draw, France and England duly lined up in the final for the 11th time since 2008 - former world number ones Gregory Gaultier (France), James Willstrop and Nick Matthew (both England) celebrating their 18th, 15th and 12th appearances in the annual event, respectively.

37-year-old Matthew was unable to mark his farewell appearance in the event with a win, however, going down to career-long rival and close friend Gaultier, as France took a 2/0 lead over their perennial regional rivals. Daryl Selby reduced the deficit by beating Frenchman Lucas Serme in straight games - but when Frenchman Baptiste Masotti clinched the second game against Declan James in the fourth and final match (having needed to either take a game or win 18 points), that was enough to give France the title for the third time in four years.

Commenting on the men’s performance, David Campion said:

“That was a tense men’s final! We weren’t expecting to go so far down in terms of games/points in the opening tie matches, which made it very difficult.

Champions!! ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/Hw6Eqwta66
— Alison Waters (@Aliwat1) May 5, 2018

"Daryl is such a good England player and gave Declan a fighting chance for the team. I’m pleased that Declan had the experience which will serve him well going forward. Nick has worked incredibly hard over the past two days with Jade, following the injury he sustained in the group stage. We gave everything but ultimately it wasn’t enough.”

View final results >

Champs!!! Great week with the team ?? https://t.co/RLarAhdqnS
— Laura Massaro (@ljmassaro) May 6, 2018

European Champions ?? What a team to be a part of! Hard luck for the boys but amazing effort all round ?? pic.twitter.com/djHoCtcGmm
— Sarah-Jane Perry (@SJPerry15) May 5, 2018