Part of Guernsey’s triumphant National Schools KS3 squad in March, the U15 player capitalised on a rare opportunity to contest two such events in a single weekend with the aim of improving his England Squash ranking, but he surpassed expectations by winning both Bexley and Bromley.
Seeded second in the Bexley Junior Open, the Guernsey player won his three matches, culminating in a surprisingly convincing 11-5, 11-1 victory over favourite Rayan Higgins, to achieve his first title at this level.
He backed that up at the following day’s Bromley Junior Open, where he was seeded fifth but beat four players – included the No 2 and 3 entries – to seal a second title.
His closest match came against third seed Cameron Hampton, with the Sarnian edging the Kentish player 11-9, 11-6.
‘I’m really pleased with my performances,’ the youngster said.
‘Winning two tournaments in one weekend is better than I expected.
‘This gives me confidence ahead of the inter-insular and upcoming tournaments later in the season.’
Squash development officer Martin Watts emphasised how hard the youngster has been working since the National Schools.
‘I think it’s nice for any Guernsey players to travel away and it’s a surprise to have two wins in a weekend,’ he said.
‘I think it’s down to the fact that Rocco has worked really hard on his squash over the last three months following on from the National Schools event.’
This comes as Guernsey prepare for the return of the junior inter-insular after 12 years.
The comeback event takes place in Jersey on Sunday 21 June and is set to feature around 15 Sarnian players.
The junior event had been squeezed out by the expansion of the main inter-insular through the addition of racketball – or squash 57 – to the programme, but both islands had been keen to put in a separate date for the youngsters.
‘It’s exciting for the kids to not just have events to travel to in the UK, but to have something against Jersey with friendly rivalries,’ Watts said.
‘It’s quite exciting to get that event back.’
