The 2026 edition of the British National Masters Championships takes place at Colets, London, from 25th to 1st March.
Day Two Match Schedule
Day One Chairman’s Report
The Championships got underway today at the superb Colets Health & Fitness Club in Thames Ditton, Surrey. There were some 250 players registered initially, but inevitably, some dropouts from that number. The larger groups had early rounds, and there were some good matches and a number of home club players in action.
Men’s Over 65: There was an excellent match with Nick Peel (KNT) and Ripley Oyler (BRK) that went the full distance, with Peel emerging the winner in five games.
Men’s Over 60: David Gray had a long drive down from Cumbria, but it didn’t affect his game as he kept on top of Mark Taylor (WKS), winning in three games of solid squash. Former England player Nigel Bacon (ESX) was very efficient against Steve Besant (HPH) never giving him a chance to settle into the match. Another England man Steve Martin (YKS) showed his class against Jonathan Wills (CNL) but the best match of the round saw Wales star Ian Fenner-Evans clinch his match against Avon pro Kirk Woodward with three close and competitive games. There was an interesting match as Gordon McManus (KNT) playing down a group overcame Tony Kaye (YKS) in five close games. A foot fault at the end of the fifth didn’t help Kaye’s cause. Another England player Mike Leonard (BKS) returning after injury was in control against David Harris (LCN) and Marvin Rust (HFD) was too accomplished for Colets man Andy Hall. Wales International Richard Murphy removed Mike Wardle (BRK) and in the tie of the round, Peter Call (BRK) outlasted Keith Winfield (HFD) recovering from 2/1 down to win a great contest 3/2.
Men’s Over 55: Only a few matches here but they were well fought and close. Shropshire’s Courtney Downing put a good match together to just edge Carl Elsby of Wales in three tight games. Ross Burns (MDX) had a fine win against James Gardner (SRY) taking it in four with the second going to the Surrey man 15/13 which seemed to take the edge from him. Tim Smith (CNL) was an England player last year and now returning after injury. He showed good form here and progressed against Tony Balmer (MDX) 3/0. Simon Thompson (MDX) got the better of Vinod Duraikan (CMB) in four good games.
Men’s Over 50: Jago Nardelli (MDX) recorded a comfortable four game win over Edward Prust (SPE) and Daniel Reed (SRY) removed Colets player James Lobban. Steve Rogers (OXF) had his hands full with Jason Potter (ESX) and was two points from defeat before rallying to take the match in five. Atif Siddiqi (GLN) was impressive taking out the powerful hitting of John Lambert (LNH). Wiltshire’s Julian Beckett crafted a good win against Jonathan Graham (HPH) with an enjoyable all over the court match.
Men’s Over 45: Home player Brett Cockbill (SRY) was outplayed by the very classy Adam Safwat (ESX) and Dean Newberry (SSX) was merciless in a hard-hitting match against Dale Mccarter (WLT). Chris Bartley (SRY) put the home club on the score sheet with a straight games win over Nigel Lee (SRY) and Robert Dale (SRY) beat Nathan Miller (SSX) 3/0. Another home club success came when Stuart Junor (SRY) won a good tussle with Allan Wilson (DOR) which hinged on a13/11 third when they were at a game each.
Tomorrow will see the higher-seeded players come into the event and some great squash is expected across all the categories. Spectators are welcome at Colets.
Stuart Hardy, Chairman
