National Title for Sam

The National Junior champion ships were an altogether different affair than the Seniors. Obviously our main focus was on the Junior events but throughout the day no one seemed able to break out of the nervy, hushed atmosphere that characterised the event.

Sam was peerless in the Junior boys event. His play was not outstanding but he was coiled and poised ready to strike should anyone threaten his supremacy. Amazingly there was not much danger as many of his opponents seem to play against him with a sense of foreboding and a lack of real conviction that they were going to be able to upset the favourite. His semi final against Cory was always going to be tense but Sam was in form and his focus was excellent and this allowed him to control the game and ease his way into the final.

There he faced Sam Logue ,fresh from his good win against Ashley Robinson in the semi-final. There still seemed to be an almost reverent atmosphere in the hall; more suited to a church than a sports final. It was a sharp contrast to the frenzy of the Seniors. Still Sam went about his task with business - like fervour and raced into a one -nil lead. It seemed all over when Sam was 10-6 up in the second but Sam Logue fought back to 10-10. Sam reasserted his authority and took that set and the match. It was a convincing defence of his title accomplished without dropping a set.