Stewart Boswell playing impenetrable squash, wins Berkshire finals, photo © Debra Tessier.

In a battle of two tall Australians, Stewart Boswell, the former world #4, defeated Cameron Pilley, the rapidly rising AIS graduate. The capacity crowd saw a closer and more competitive match than many observers had predicted.

The contest began at a very high pace.  Neither player attacked aggressively, instead opting to wait until the other was securely behind him before going short.  An early lead for Pilley evaporated with a few critical tins as Boswell surged back to take game one.

Boswell lost his momentum and looked tired and shellshocked in game two, Pilley's big wingspan and quick reactions having forced Boswell to do extra work.  

A few thrilling crosscourt volleys into the nick highlighted a masterful game from Pilley to even the score.

In the third, it was Pilley who seemed to lose a step while Boswell regrouped.  A player who relies on setting up and taking the ball unusually early, he looked punch-less in a game that Boswell ended speedily.

Boswell kept Pilley on his heels in a quick fourth game, surrendering no points, to win the match and become the Berkshire Open's second champion.   Boswell looked in top-ten form as he contnues his sustained comeback toward the top of the game. He now brings momentum into the upcoming British Open qualifier.