Aycliffe Squash Club’s championship finals evening took place at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex on Saturday 30 July. All of the matches were played in excellent spirit and well supported by a good turnout. Top of the bill was the men’s final, which was expected to be a great match between men’s team first string Nick Hill, who had a very good season in the Durham and Cleveland League and was hungry for his first championship win after finishing runner up twice. Five time championship winner and club legend, Neil Ross, who came back to the game after a long layoff to concentrate on cycling played well. This match could have gone either way, with both players giving it everything they had to get their name on the board as 2016 champion. After a classic final of high energy, high quality, huge determination and fine margins, which veered from one player to the other, with Nick saving three match points in the 5th game, Neil eventually prevailed 9-1, 8-10, 2-9, 10-8, 9-7. Huge credit goes to Neil on his 6th also huge credit to Nick, who also played a great match and was within a whisker. The ladies’ final was between two first time finalists – Karina Dixon and Emma Mavin. As ladies’ team first string, Karina was strong favourite against relative newcomer Emma, but Emma rose to the occasion, worked hard and gave Karina a good match. However, ultimately Karina’s power, class and experience prevailed and she won 9-5, 9-10, 9-7, 9-1. Congratulations to Karina on her first club championship win and to Emma on her good performance. The Club thanks its sponsors, car dealers Pulmans, for supporting the event. If you are interested in playing competitively and/or socially, learning to play or watching squash, contact the Oak Leaf on 01325 300600 and ask about the opportunities available, or visit the Club’s website aycliffesquash.co.uk
IN PHOTO:Emma Mavin, Karina Dixon, Neil Ross and Nick Hill
