Aycliffe Squash Club’s championship finals evening took place at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex on Sunday 7 May. First up was the ladies’ final between last year’s champion Karina Dixon and first time finalist Lucy Aisbitt, who had done well to get to the final.
Although Lucy tried gamely, Karina’s class and experience prevailed and she won comfortably 9-2, 9-1, 9-3. Congratulations to Karina on back to back club championship wins and to Lucy on reaching the final.
The men’s final was a repeat of last year’s between six time championship winner and club legend Neil Ross and men’s team first string Nick Hill, who had a very good season in the Durham and Cleveland League and was looking for his first championship win after finishing runner up three times.
After last year’s epic final, another great duel was anticipated, and the spectators were not disappointed. After Nick took an early lead, the momentum shifted to Neil, who took a hard fought first game 13-10 (using the American scoring system). Neil’s ascendency continued into the second game, which he won 13-8. However, Nick fought back hard and regained the momentum, taking the 3rd game 13-8 and then the 4th 13-11. Unfortunately for Nick, the massive effort it had taken to get him to this point had taken its toll, and he left the court after the 4th game clutching his back and looking very tired. Neil’s legendary fitness looked like it would pay off, as he took control of the 5th game and reached a 9-1 lead before Nick incredibly managed to mount a spirited fight-back, regaining the
momentum. However, it was too little too late and Neil took the game 13-9 to win the championship for a record 7th time.
Huge credit goes to both players on another fantastic final. 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 300 600 and ask about the opportunities.
Photo: Left to right: Nick Hill, Neil Ross, Karina Dixon and Lucy Aisbitt.
