Aycliffe Squash Club’s championship finals evening took place at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex on Saturday 28 April. First on court, the ladies’ final was dominated by Karina Dixon, comfortably beating Meryl Graham 3-0, to retain her title for the third year in succession.
The men’s final was a much closer affair – a repeat of the last two years’ finals between Neil Ross and Nick Hill. After narrowly finishing runner up four times, Nick looked determined that this would be his year and started off like a train, winning the first two games 13-11, 13-7, with some great squash, but the momentum shifted in the third game, which Neil fought back to win 13-5. The fourth was anybody’s at 10-10, but Neil took the last three points to take it 13-10.
All the bets were on Neil at this point. Nick looked more tired and frustrated and Neil had the momentum. However, against all expectations, and despite picking up some painful injuries in a couple of accidental collisions in a full on game, Nick rallied for a massive effort.
In an epic final game of very high quality, with both players playing as if their lives depended on it, Nick got to match point at 12-11, but he was unable to get over the line, and Neil took the next three points to prevail 14-12 and take a record 8th title.
It was a classic match neither player deserved to lose, with huge credit going to both guys for their skill, effort, physical fitness and sportsmanship.
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
