Ipswich Sports Club hosted the fourth and final Regional Open event of the 2022/23 season, the Karakal East of England Masters Open on Friday 13th – Sunday 15th January.
There was top level squash, competition, and camaraderie over the entire weekend, with over 20 of Ipswich Sports Club’s very own players competing including Tom Ison, Rob Marsh-Filey, John Goodrich, and Julie-Anne Pegram just to name a few.
In the Men’s Over 70 semi-finals, John Goodrich came from 2-1 down to beat Geoff Walton. He then had a brilliant win in the final against Paul Reader which was his 7th Regional win in four games.
John Goodrich has been a member of Ipswich Sports Club since 2003, making him a member for over 20 years. He has been playing squash for most of his life, particularly between his early teens to early thirties, and then again when he joined ISC from his early fifties until present day.
John played a lot of sports growing up and thought he should give squash a try to play against some of his school friends, and he hasn’t looked back since.
In the East of England Masters Open, John was up against Paul Reader who he’d played a few times before so knew that he is a highly skilful competitor. He realised he had to play the game in a way that would negate Paul’s strengths – not thinking he’d beat him on shot play alone, he played for an all rounded game which pushed Paul’s agility and mobility to the limit, ending up with a brilliant 3 – 1 win.
Since being a member of ISC, John Goodrich has been selected and played for the England over 55, 60, 65 and 70 teams which is such a great achievement. Reflecting on other games, John comments;
“I reached the semi-finals of the British Closed Masters and have been selected for the England over 70s team for the home internationals in May. Disappointingly, particularly as I was top seed, in the semi-final I lost 8-11 in the 5th, so my run of 5 set wins came to an end. Thank you everyone for helping me get there! And thank you for all your good wishes and congratulations.
“All my selections for the England age group teams over the last 15 years have been whilst I’ve been a member of Ipswich Sports Club. Thank you Ipswich Sports Club, fellow squash players and the many people who have helped me to achieve my goals!”
Over the last 18 months Ipswich Sports Club has invested heavily in their facilities, including fully refurbished squash and tennis courts with new LED lighting throughout, a new gym with top of the range equipment along with a newly designed restaurant area. They are not stopping there though, this year they plan to continue their investments with significant upgrades to changing rooms, bar and reception areas along with padel courts at their sister site at Tuddenham Road.
John’s squash successes are a true inspiration, and we wish him all the luck for the England home international in May.
