Hexham players represented Northumbria in the National Inter-Counties Masters Squash competition. Andrew Wilkinson, Adrian Alderton and Tony Pensom played for Northumbria in the O65’s event in the northern qualifying group at Bury, Manchester. This started with a baptism of fire against favourites Lancashire as Andrew played current British Champion Alan Barwise.
Alan was on top form and went through the weekend undefeated; however, he had his toughest test against Andrew. Adrian then had a tight match against Alistair Caffrey whose accurate short play put him 2-1 ahead. Adrian rallied with an improved length game and fought back for a 3-2 win. Tony’s opponent was unable to play through injury giving Northumbria a great start which proved crucial to the final positions.
Next up was Cumbria and after a stuttering start Andrew found his form against the very experienced Terry Belshaw to win 3-1. Adrian and Tony took comfortable victories for a 3-0 result for Northumbria. The final match was against the weakest opposition, Merseyside, and Northumbria took victory 3-0. The final table saw Northumbria just edge out Lancashire to go through for a second year in succession to the national finals in April.
