Hexham Men’s squash teams look to have a tough season ahead after losing several top flight team players this season. The first team, with some of their old stagers back in action, had a first tough away match against Washington Exiles in Northumbria Div 2. They went down 4-1 with Damon Watts salvaging some pride with a 3-2 win and Adrian Alderton just being pipped 15-13 in the fifth game.
This was swiftly followed with another away fixture at old rivals Westoe (South Shields). The home team had similarly lost a couple of regulars leaving the door open for a spirited 4-1 win for Hexham. Comfortable wins were had by Andrew Wilkinson back in action after a successful golf season, Jeremy Philipson and Adrian Alderton. Special mention yet again for Damon Watts for battling on to victory following copious strapping to an injured knee. Beers were on captain Paul Satow for letting the side down.
Hexham second and third teams were also in action in Divisions 4 and 6 respectively. Hexham 2nds had a close affair against Dunston 1sts. Duncan Hunter hung on for a 3-2 win after opponent Gary Clark fought back to 2-2. Jon Steward won in straight games 3-0 to retain his unbeaten record so far this season. With an array of non textbook shots and dazzling movement he bemused his younger opponent. Guy Jepson and Kristen McCluskie, playing at positions 1 and 2 respectively, found Dunston’s top players just too strong. Finally, David Edwardson had another epic five set match but just lost out to Paul Nicholson giving overall match victory to Dunston 3-2.
Hexham 3rds were in action against Northern Juniors, normally a very strong outfit. It was, however, the Hexham juniors that were on song, with Max Dolan and Annabel Satow giving dominant displays to both win 3-0. Youngster Robert Chesney had a very tight game with Ben Tudor coming back from 2 sets down just lose out in the fifth. Captain Tim Anderson returning from injury is yet to hit top form so it was down to last minute replacement Phil Langley to seal a 3-2 victory for Hexham.
