SQUASH - AN entertaining morning of squash was held recently at the Kings Fitness & Leisure Centre in Cheddar, when the Cheddar Valley Squash Club entertained a team from the West Somerset Club in Minehead.

AN entertaining morning of squash was held recently at the Kings Fitness & Leisure Centre in Cheddar, when the Cheddar Valley Squash Club entertained a team from the West Somerset Club in Minehead.

The teams consisted of six junior players, with Ben Davidson, Dan Bond, Duncan Hall, Jack Meadowcroft, James Bennett and Dan Alden all representing Cheddar.

The first game of the day was a close encounter between Duncan Hall and Harry Hall. Duncan fought hard to take the first two games, but his opponent did well to come back, and the long rallies eventually took their toll with Duncan making the unforced errors toward the end. Harry won 3-2, 13-11, 12-10, 4-11, 9-11, 7-11.

Next up was the much improved Jack Meadowcroft, who quickly overcame his opponent Josh Camp with some tight drives and effective serves to win 3-0, 11-6, 11-0, 11-1.

James Bennett dwarfed his opponent Robbie Garwood both in size and score winning in three straight games, 11-6, 11-2 11-8. Newcomer to the club and playing his first match was Dan Alden who comfortably beat his opponent Dan Godfrey 3-0.

Dan showed how much he has learned by effectively placing the ball in all four corners, winning 11-1, 11-3, 11-2. Although Dan Bond has missed most of the season with other commitments, he showed that he hasn't lost his touch winning 3-0 against Sam Price, 11-4, 11-3, 11-3.

The final match was between Ben Davidson and Tom Reid. Ben started well taking the first game 11-3 but lost his way in the second allowing his opponent to draw level at 6-11.

The third game involved some long rallies with Ben finding length on his drives which allowed him the chance to catch Tom up front with some superb drops to finish the rallies. With the game plan working well, Ben took the last game 11-2 winning the match 3-1.

Overall, Cheddar beat West Somerset by five ties to one to win the match. Next week Cheddar take on Weston at Weston Squash Club.

A RICH blend of youth and experience secured a victory for the Weston Squash and Racketball fourth team against Nailsea.

Making their debut in the Division 4 after suffering relegation last season, hopes were high and were even higher as Mike La Band and Elliot Smith both raced to convincing wins in the opening matches.

Both players benefited from tough games last season and were not troubled by their opponents. Making his debut for the team, Harry Lane showed some nerves on court and was eventually defeated by an experienced opponent.

Playing in the tough No 1 position, Rob Fryer had a close game against a higher ranked opponent and put up a credible performance losing 3-1

With the match level at 2-2, the outcome hinged on Graham Quick's match. Fortunately he dispatched his opponent in quick time and a first win for some time was secured.

Results: Rob Fryer lost 2-9, 3-9, 9-5, 5-9; Mike LaBand won 9-6, 9-4, 9-0; Graham Quick won 9-5, 9-0, 9-3; Elliot Smith won 9-7, 9-1, 9-1; Harry Lane lost 2-9, 0-9, 3-9.

If anybody is interested in joining the club they can contact Rod Barnes on 07766 116203 or visit www.westonsquash.co.uk

FIVE junior members from Weston Squash & Racketball Club entered the County Junior Squash Championships at Redwood Lodge Country Club recently.

Nick Thompson and Sam Chedzoy were both in the A group for their ages competing against the top boys of the county. The competition was strong but they played some excellent squash against higher ranked players.

Jo Newbury, Harry Bush and Lawrence Newbury were placed into the B groups for their ages and had some excellent matches against similarly ranked players.

Juniors from seven to 17 years old competed for championship age group titles with some hard fought matches to become county champion.

The large entries represented the recent upsurge of local participants of all abilities from novices to some elite performers who have National and European rankings.

Junior squash is expanding in the area with a good selection of junior clubs.

Weston Squash & Racketball Club has a thriving junior section with children of all levels aged seven to 16.

If you would like more details contact the club coach Sally Thompson on 01934 812241 or 07791 358202.