Adams Family spook Power Bolts

First-time entrants the Adams Family wrote the perfect ending to their Cinderella story when they beat the Power Bolts 3-0 to win the 2019 KPMG Squash League, which wrapped up at the Liguanea Club at the weekend.

In a series of hard-fought matches, the Adams Family overcame the determined Power Bolts with a smart selection strategy and solid on-court play.

First up to play was Allan Roper, who had to fight for every point against Mia Todd in a battle that had spectators on the edge to the very last point. After Todd took the first game, Roper came back to win the next two, only to have Todd rally to take the fourth. The fifth game was a slugfest, but Roper held off his opponent to take a 15/21, 21/19, 21/17, 20/21, 21/20 win and put his team in the lead.

However, it looked like the Power Bolts would pull even when Dylan Vaz appeared to have Adam Hugh on the ropes after firing his way through the first two games of the second match. But by the third game, Hugh adjusted his game plan, turned the tables on his opponent, and came back to win 14-21, 14-21, 21-16, 21-16, 21-18 and secure the championship for the Adams Family.

Although the overall outcome had already been decided, former All Jamaica Under-13 Champion Aman Dhiman fought hard against Adam Lee as he endeavoured to win one for the Power Bolts. But Lee’s experience and ­dexterity proved too much for the ­youngster, and Lee won 21-18, 21-19, 21-19 to secure the sweep for the Adams Family.

Third place went to Tech-A-Chance, who beat three-time champions the Milex Eagles with wins from Rhys Greenland, who dispatched Akelia Wiltshire 21-12, 21-9, 21-14, and Derrian Barrant, who went back and forth with Shane Slater but eventually prevailed 21-14, 18-21, 21-17, 17-21, 21-19. The award for most improved player went to Rhys Greenland.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more exciting end to the ­tournament, with two first-time entrants going all the way to the finals and then giving us a great showdown,” Jamaica Squash Association ­president Chris Hind said. “The Adams Family gave a solid ­display of clinical and competitive squash, and although the Power Bolts didn’t come through, they fought like lions and did themselves proud.”

Managing partner for KPMG in Jamaica, Tarun Handa, praised the league for the opportunity it ­provides for players of all ages.

“This is our 20th year serving as title sponsors of this tournament,” he said. “We continue to support it because it brings out competitors of all ages and skill levels and gives everyone the opportunity to compete on the same stage, and, as a result, we see the players at their very best.”