Captain Jake Mahfood is still beaming with pride as he led Blown to a sensational title defence when they outlasted Saints 2-1 in a thrilling KPMG Squash League final at the Liguanea Club recently.
The dramatic finale had all the makings of a classic, but it was Mahfood’s grit and resilience that tipped the scales as he battled back from the brink of defeat to deliver a championship-clinching performance in the night’s most electrifying match.
"We're elated because I remember the first interview at the beginning of the tournament you asked if we could do a repeat, and we weren't sure. But, as we went through, we got more and more confident, and we're very happy we were able to do it," said Mahfood.
The night began with Blown striking first, thanks to the reliable Andrew Bicknell, who swept past Saints’ lively but inexperienced Leigh Dwyer in straight sets—21-16, 21-16, 21-14.
But the Saints were not going down without a fight. Their undefeated powerhouse, Jerazeno Bell, took to the court against Mahfood for what proved to be the decider. Bell looked imperious in the opening stages, breezing to 21-13 and 21-15 victories in the first two games, crisscrossing the court with pace and precision.
Yet, when it looked like the title was slipping from their grasp, Mahfood dug deep. He opened the third game with a 3-0 run and, though signs of fatigue crept in, he battled through to take it 21-17. The fourth game saw a shocking dip from Bell, who uncharacteristically lost focus and form, handing it over 21-12.
With the score tied at two games apiece, the final game was a war of attrition. In a gripping climax, Mahfood held his nerve and edged out Bell 21-19 to complete an epic comeback and seal Blown’s second straight KPMG Squash League crown.
Saints, who had high hopes of clinching their first title, were left heartbroken. Captain Mario O’Connor, who later defeated Blown’s Fraser McConnell in straight sets—21-12, 21-14, 21-11—reflected on what could have been.
“I think we could have brought it home, but in that second match, we just lost focus. Our player did his best, went up two love, and was trying to complete it but was not able to complete it, and Jake, being a tough, very tough player, very strong-minded, and very focused, has proven it time and time again. He's a really good player, and I admire that about Jake," O’Connor shared.
In the third-place playoff, Swift Swingers made light work of JDF, winning in straight sets to claim the bronze. Despite the loss in the final, Saints’ Jerazeno Bell walked away with the tournament MVP award as his stellar performances throughout the league did not go unnoticed.