Racquets at the ready as a prestigious squash competition comes to Dorchester. 

The squash season may have only just begun but some of the county’s finest are already limbering up as the Dorset Closed Squash Competition returns. 

This year the highly anticipated annual event will be held at Dorchester Tennis and Squash Club, the first time it has ever been held in the west of the county. 

Event organiser, Annabel Whalley, said: “We have never had such a fantastic opportunity to showcase quality squash in this area and I would urge anyone, parents and children alike with an interest in racket sports to pay a visit over the weekend, it is an event not to be missed.”

This year is a particularly fitting year for such a high-profile competition to come to Dorchester as 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of squash being played at the club which Ms Whalley said definitely something to celebrate. 

Sponsored by local business, Taste Brasserie, the competition will attract high-quality players from across Dorset to compete in five categories, Mens, Mens B, Men O45, Mens O55, Ladies and advanced juniors will also be encouraged to participate.

Entry for players costs £15 and each entrant will receive a Cool Tex T-shirt. 

Spectators go free and everyone is welcome to head down to watch the highly competitive local squash matches. 

A spokesperson for the club said: “It has been many years since such a prestigious event has come away from the conurbation so for the whole area it would be great for it to be a success so that it comes back again before too long.”

The Dorchester Tennis Club was founded in 1949. The squash courts were opened on the present site in 1977 with two courts being built next to the already established tennis club. 

Squash was previously played on courts at the TA barracks near the Keep at the top of town. 

The club aims to cater for all ages and abilities, having three high-quality squash courts and three all-weather floodlit tennis courts so sportsmen can get the best from their game. 

Dorset Closed Squash Competition will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am. 

For more information call 01305 268103.