Friday night saw a double triumph for Richard Balme at the Market Harborough Squash Club Championships.

The first final saw the resurrection of the Judy Moys Over 55 Handicap Cup, in which Balme played Steve Cousens. Both had had good winter seasons and the members were expecting an entertaining match. Balme, seeded number 1, overcame a five point handicap to beat Cousens 2-0 (15-11, 15-11).

Next up was the final of the inaugral Junior Handicap Tournament. Top seeds Jack Turney and Martin Thompson had overcome some good opposition to get to the final but Turney came out on top winning 2-0 (15-10, 15-11). The pair hope reach the Junior Closed Final next month for a re-match.  See photos on the Juniors page.

The Ladies then took centre court, with Ruth Sleigh out to defend her Trophy against Lin Leach. Leach took the first game10-9, but couldn't maintain the momentum with top seed Sleigh winning the next three games 9-4, 9-3, 9-3.

Having rested from his first final, Richard Balme then came back to play the Men's Over 40s Handicap Final against Mark Brown. Both men had had 4 tough rounds to reach the final and again a good match was expected with only 1 point between them in the handicapping. Balme took the lead, winning the first game 15-12. Brown then fought back winning the second 15-12. However, Balme overcame the younger man and the heat to clinch the final game 15-10 and take the Ken Martin Trophy.

The evening ended with the Men's Closed with top seed Martin Geear defending his title against Mark Christison. With Christison taking the first game 9-5, the crowd sensed an upset, but Geear dug in and took the next 2 games (9-2, 9-2). Christison found some energy reserves and was 8-5 up in the fourth before Geear came back to take the game (10-9) and the match 3-1.

The Club always welcomes new members of any age. Club night is on Friday evenings from 6pm and Junior coaching takes place on Saturday mornings. For further information contact Squash Club Chairman, Steve Avil 07715021313.