Newsletter May 2025

Huge success for the club.

Premier League Play-Off Final: Swansea A vs Rhiwbina A Report 

After winning the first half of the season and Rhiwbina A taking the second, this year’s Premier League play-off final set up a familiar showdown — a repeat of last year’s final between Swansea A and Rhiwbina A. Last season, Rhiwbina A triumphed, but Swansea were determined to rewrite the script.

Swansea A faced a tough second half of the season, with the loss of key player Dan Anderson proving to be a major blow. His absence left a gap in the squad at a critical time in a league stacked with high-calibre teams. 

As Rhiwbina A began to pull away, the writing was on the wall — a rematch in the finals was on the cards. When it was confirmed, all roads led to the SWNC  (Sport Wales National Centre) in Cardiff for a Premier League final between two of Wales' top teams.

With focus and determination, the Swansea A team arrived early, on court by 6:30 pm to stretch, warm up, and mentally prepare for the 7:00 pm start. First up were the No. 4 and No. 5 strings on the glass-back courts.

 

Match Reports:

Luka Middleton vs Richard Murphy

Luka faced a tricky and clever opponent in Richard Murphy (Welsh 060 champion), he took the opening game but Murphy fought back to level at 1–1 in a tight battle. The third game proved pivotal, with Luka finding his length and pulling ahead. His superior fitness shone through in the fourth as he closed out a vital win for Swansea.

Result: Luka Middleton (Swansea) beat Richard Murphy (Rhiwbina) 3–1

Phil Regan vs Rhys Luffman

On the adjacent court, Phil Regan faced an on-form Rhys Luffman. Whilst Phil struggled to match Luffmans pace in the first two games he then brought it back and fought hard in the third narrowly losing out 11-9 to level the tie.

Result: Rhys Luffman (Rhiwbina) beat Phil Regan (Swansea) 3–0

Tom Rosser vs Declan Cottrell

Next up was Tom Rosser, stepping up to No. 3 in the absence of Dan Anderson. Known affectionately as ‘The Postman’ for always delivering at No. 4, Rosser produced a composed and focused performance against promising young talent Declan Cottrell. Rising to the challenge, Rosser’s maturity and control helped swing momentum back in Swansea’s favour.

Result: Tom Rosser (Swansea) beat Declan Cottrell (Rhiwbina) 3–0

Steve Colarusso vs Peter Berkley

This was the pressure match — defeat would’ve meant relying on the No. 1 tie against Rhiwbina’s formidable Dave Haley. But Steve Colarusso stepped up in spectacular fashion. Fuelled by the support of young Noah and inspired by the calm advice of Ian Howarth between games, Steve put in an emotional, high-energy performance. His trademark full-body dives, fist pumps, and crowd-rousing shouts of “Come on!” set the tone. In a clinical and impassioned win, Steve secured the match that clinched the title for Swansea A.

Result: Steve Colarusso (Swansea) beat Peter Berkley (Rhiwbina) 3–1

Archie Chatwin vs Dave Haley

With the title already secured, the final match was a showcase. Archie Chatwin and Dave Haley — two of the league’s top players — did not disappoint. Haley took the first game, but Archie responded with flair, matching him point-for-point in a high-octane encounter filled with brilliant shot-making and athletic retrievals.

Result: Dave Haley (Rhiwbina) beat Archie Chatwin (Swansea) 3–0

Final Score: Swansea A 3 – 2 Rhiwbina A

This was a high-quality clash between two of the league's best sides. Swansea A delivered when it mattered most, with every player contributing in a hard-fought, emotionally charged final. The win not only avenged last year’s result but also crowned Swansea A as Premier League Champions for the first time  in the 21st century! 

Acknowledgements

A huge thank you to all the players who represented the A team this season. Special recognition goes to Dan Webb, who captained the side during the first half of the season before stepping down ahead of the birth of his daughter. We're delighted to share that Lili Efa Webb arrived safely on 9th April — congratulations to Dan and his family.

Thanks also to Steve Colarusso, who joined the club last September and has been a breath of fresh air — not only stepping up as captain but also introducing structured A team training sessions that have reinvigorated the squad and the club atmosphere.

Lastly, a massive thank you to all the club members and supporters who came to Cardiff to cheer on the team. Your support made all the difference. David Allnatt

Home Internationals - 

Several members of the club represented Wales in the annual Home Internationals, travelling to different events in Galway, Edinburgh, Wrexham and Cardiff.

Both the Squash and Tennis Ladies 065 teams secured the trophies for Wales. Leading the way for future wins. 

Racketball- 

Paul Thorburn and Iwan Hughes competed in the Cardiff Racketball tournament on 24/05 and finished a respectable 5th and 6th.

We are hoping to have Swansea racketball tournament in July with further details to follow

Details of a team event to be held in Cardiff https://www.uk-racketball.com/cardiff-2025.html

Tennis 

The 2nd Swansea LTA Seniors Tennis tournament was held at the club  over the Bank Holiday

Membership 

Guests - reminder to all members that they are responsible for any guest to the club - payment should be made at time of booking. 

Volunteers 

Thanks to all who have replaced the wind breaks following the repairs to tennis fences. 

Aidan Doheney for his Duke of Edinburgh work around the club.

Litter pickers and gardeners for weekly tending the grounds.  

Ball machine - an excellent way to get some practice in. Bookable online 

Forthcoming Events 

June - 1 day graded squash tournament 

July - Summer BBQ day  

September Torquay trip Friday 5th until Monday 8th. The playing days are Saturday and Sunday. We have approximately 16 signed up at the moment and could do with a few more. Contact Marc Lloyd Evans for details  +44 7798 721662

 

 

Race for life 

It started in January this year. “Shall we enter the Race for Life 5K for Cancer Research, maybe bouncing a ball on our tennis racquets?” said one of our members. Without a second’s hesitation, Kerry, Wendy, Mandy, Caz, Lizzie and Angela all responded to Judy’s call. And so it was that on a blisteringly hot Sunday morning, after several months of no intensive training and much deliberation about what to wear, our girls found themselves at the start line with racquets and balls. Sadly, injury prevented Caz and Lizzie from participating on the day, but they supported us in song and pep talk. Star of the team was Miss Piggy, running as Mandy, who fluttered her sensational lashes and waved her feather boa at all and sundry. Failure to read the registration form properly meant that Angela was down as team leader and was off – the rest of the team sensibly opted for the jeffing approach. Never was a finish line so happily crossed! Then back to the club to support the 3rds in their early team match.

The team ran in support of loved ones affected by cancer, and similarly for club members past and present – names proudly written on their backs. All told, they have so far raised an amazing £1265 for Cancer Research. Many thanks to everyone who contributed. If you would like to make a donation – it’s not too late.   Angela 

Donate to CRUK | Race for Life - Cancer Research UK

Thank you 

 

info@swanseatennisandsquashclub.co.uk