Jones up to the challenge in rackets rematch

Malvern College inaugurated the event last season during the celebrations to reopen its Victorian rackets courts and in the rematch, Jones and Vintcent defeated last year’s champions, Alex Garside and Alex Kurkjian, in a thrilling battle.

Garside and Kurkjian looked well in control, cruising through the first two games in the best-of-five match 15-3, 15-0 and leading 7-3 in the third.

Vintcent then upped the pace, returning more aggressively and hitting a string of forehand winners while Jones varied her powerful serve to good effect.

They levelled at two games all and despite trailing 12-9, fought back to clinch the decider 18-13.

Jones, a former BBC sports presenter is convinced the game has been an all-male preserve for too long.

“Rackets is incredibly fast and exciting,” she said. “The little white ball cracks round the high-walled courts like lightning and when you really middle a shot, it’s a magical feeling.

“For years people said it was too explosive and dangerous for women to play but when you’re properly coached and start to understand a bit about the technique and tactics, particularly in doubles, which can be a bit hairy, it’s totally addictive.

“The Malvern courts are now some of the best in the world so I’m really lucky to be training there and I can’t wait for the British Women’s Open in March.”