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    Darran Venn Memorial Doubles Squash Tournament 2017 - report

    As we all know, only too recently the Avon squash community lost one of its most humble, tenacious and tactical players this summer. Darran Venn. A life cut short in tragic circumstances.

    So many of Darran’s friends honoured his memory and his squash talent by playing a few games of determined squash and some good banter in support of Brake (www.brake.org.uk), a road safety charity chosen by his family. The first of The Darran Venn Memorial Tournament was held in Bristol last weekend. Of course, a doubles event…

    The entrances took many from Darran’s friendship group - university friends and those from all of the clubs that Darran has played at throughout his years in the Avon squash leagues. A great turnout, and appreciated by all the effort some took to be there that weekend. Some even came out of retirement!!

    To the squash … some great, hard fought matches throughout, all played in the best of spirits, but also with determination and washed down in the bar afterwards with a befitting, well-earned beer.

    Little of Darran’s ‘old man’ tactics on display - instead a hybrid throughout of fast-pace hitting and some crazy flare throughout, entertaining nonetheless.  The final summed-up the tournament precisely. Two pairs having come through from the shadows, patiently and carefully winning their way through each round and both coming through hard-fought semis with some high-quality craftsmanship with the racquets. The pair of MacMillian/ Toseland finally succumbed to the quiet persistence of Coleman/Williams in a match with standing room only, where all entrants and supporters, family and friends cheered on throughout. A result and a manner of victory Darran himself would be proud of.

    An honour to have the Venn family watching and supporting winners and losers, the support of David Lloyd and Mathias for helping friends put the event on, and all those behind the scene.  A great, event, a family event and a fun event - thank you. Every person left with pride, winners and losers alike, raising substantial funds and awareness for Brake.

    The legs are now sore but we’ll all be back next year I’m sure. More fun, more determination and each round with a beer at the bar. A few of us might do well to take heed of Darran’s own style of squash and have more success with the watch-out, old-man squash of lob and drops.