DARTINGTON Squash Club ran an unusual tournament on the evening of Friday, April 24.

10 of the top players were invited to take part in “The Whistlestop Tournament”- a round robin competition in which each “match” lasts for exactly five minutes, the whistle goes to indicate time is up, and there are rapid changes of players for more five-minute sessions.

Five-minute games don't sound overly arduous but after nine matches, all participants were very tired and sweaty.

Once the games started, it was clear that Charlie Kellagher was playing at full throttle. He was absolutely determined to reach the target of 20 points in the allocated five minutes if he could.

Charlie’s main obstacle in reaching this adjective was the top ranked player in the club, Seb Ansley, and their score was 12-9 in Charlie’s favour.

Other than Seb, Charlie beat Stuart Allan 17-14, and Terry Ridge 18-14, and in his other six games he reached the maximum of 20 points!

Seb Ansley came second in the competition, his unorthodox and sometimes flamboyant shots occasionally going astray and gifting his opponents a few extra points.

Giles Claydon displayed considerable fitness, coming out as number three, with a tie for fourth place between the experienced campaigners, Stuart Allan and Jon Whiley.

Special mention should be made of Gabe Northrop-Bromley, 14 years old, who narrowly lost to Stuart Allan, Doug Ansley and Terry Ridge, all 13-14, and to Jon Whiley 11-14. A great effort from a very promising up and coming player.

Proceeds from the Whistlestop Tournament were to help finance the new floors that the club has recently installed. New club members are always very welcome, details about the club can be found on the Dartington Squash Club website.