London’s Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall was filled to the rafters on May Day for the final of this year’s Newton Perkins Squash Tournament.
Defending its 2013 trophy, GVA reached the final against JLL after four months of competition between 29 firms, while the plate battle featured first-time finalist Colliers International against Savills.
Oliver Slack, a prodigious winner in previous years, got proceedings off to a fine start for GVA by defeating JLL’s Matt Connor. JLL number two Oliver Marcroft then met GVA county player James Pickles. The GVA player’s relentless pace proved too hot to handle, leaving GVA number one Adam Wildig to secure victory against a hard-running Paul Sweeney in a best-of-three competition, and the firm retained its title for a second year.
The plate trophy saw Colliers’ Lyle Dawson take first advantage against Savills’ Freddie Corlett before Savills number two Argie Taylor levelled the match against Chris Ridgway. Home advantage proved key for Savills number one Richard Winter, whose consistent line and length defeated Colliers’ terrier-like top player David Hume, and secured the plate title for Savills.
Guest of honour Allister Heath, editor of City AM, addressed players and supporters in the committee room of the RAC with an exposé of the threats and opportunities for the London economy before presenting the trophies and prizes to the winners and runners up.
rebecca.kent@estatesgazette.com
