Despite making their national-level league debut this year, the Leamington Royals have proven a force to be reckoned with in the Squash Super League, remaining the only unbeaten side as we head into this week’s Grand Final at the Winchester Racquets and Fitness Club.
Over the course of the season, the Warwickshire-based Royals have lined up a mixture of world-renowned stars and emerging talents, with the likes of Victor Crouin, Declan James, Satomi Watanabe, Lucy Turmel, Mariam Eissa and Ben Smith all taking to the court over their six fixtures.
After finishing top of the table in the regular season, the Royals will now take on the Chichester Centurions for the coveted inaugural title this Friday night, with play getting underway for FREE on SQUASHTV from 7pm.
Speaking ahead of the Grand Final, Leamington Head Coach Jason Pike said: “I’m extremely proud to have been involved in the introduction of a Super League team at Leamington. We have built a vibrant squash community, inclusive of all levels and being involved in the league seemed like a natural progression.
“With tickets for match nights selling out in minutes, it’s proved to be a great addition. There is an appetite for watching world-class squash at Leamington and I’ve definitely noticed an increased awareness of the PSA Tour amongst the members as a result of our involvement.
“It’s been truly inspirational for the juniors and adults who have attended the matches.”
On what it would mean to the club to claim a historic win in Winchester this week, he added: “Lifting the trophy would be an amazing achievement for Leamington.
“It would be the perfect reward for all the players who have put in some really incredible performances, for the organisers for all their hard work and efforts volunteering their time to make it a success this season and to our members who have been amazing at home matches, creating arguably the best atmosphere in the league.”
Pike was quick to praise the home support the Royals have had throughout the course of the season, with sell-out crowds a regular sight at the Leamington Lawn Tennis & Squash Club.
The Royals’ home record saw them claim 3-1 wins over the Coolhurst Cavaliers and Bristol Buccaneers and a countback win over the St George’s Hill Knights in what was a crucial playoff decider in the last match of the season.
“The home matches have been the best bit, to be honest,” Pike said. “Sell-out crowds of over 80 spectators, including around 20 juniors. A true reflection of our diverse squash community.
“The atmosphere has been incredible, and the home team players’ camaraderie with the juniors on the front row has been a real highlight. Bar sales have been more than double the usual takings, which will give you some idea of the vibe!”
The Royals have named a star-studded line-up for the Grand Final, with Declan James, Satomi Watanabe, Ben Smith, Olivia Besant and Owain Taylor tasked with taking the team to the title.
On the club’s strategy coming into the season, Pike said: “Our main aim when recruiting was to acquire young, ambitious players who would be excited to be involved in the new league and with a realistic chance of competing for medals at the Olympic Games in 2028.
“Not only have they all played extremely well in their matches, but they have also been amazing with the adults and juniors in the pre-match clinics. The opportunity for club members to get on court with some of the best players in the world has been a huge success story in our first season in the league.”
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