Mixed results for D&C

With the championship winning under-19s team losing two of their key players to the under-17s side, an overall third place in the competition was disappointing, although a final day win over competition winners and deadly rivals, Cumbria was a moral victory. An opportunity was created for Guisborough's Kyle Garbut and Paul Tudor from Redcar to grasp a County place for next season and both had a fantastic weekend. Kyle was unlucky to lose his first match but played strongly the rest of the weekend winning his next two matches in convincing fashion. Paul Tutor was a revelation over the two-day event, representing the County for the first time since 2001; he gave 100 per cent in every match. The second day saw Paul involved in a 5-game marathon with Cumbria's experienced and very strong, Simon Gray when a loss of concentration caused Paul to lose out 5/9 in the final game after leading 5/0. Both players deserve much credit for the determined and gritty way they both played and conducted themselves the whole weekend.

With County No.1 Lee Skinner unexpectedly losing two of his three matches, it was left to the two senior members of the squad, Michael Burton and Nick Pugsly, to stand up and be counted, playing for the County for the last time as juniors. Player of the Weekend Nick Pugsly from Redcar won all three of his games signing off his junior account in fine style. With Durham's Michael Burton also ending his junior career with his traditional 100 per cent performance, winning two from three matches, it was fitting that County Manager Bill West presented both players with County colours for their commitment and loyalty to the County over the last six years.

The under 17s team were also in action with the 19s team at New Brighton finishing in overall 6th place. Aycliffe's Graham Johnson Playing at No.1 and Nunthope's Richard Collins playing at No.2 gave the young side some much-needed experience and all players despite the disappointing final position gave a fighting display. The squad gave a County debut to Aycliffe rising star Andy McConville who looked very impressive winning all of his games playing at No.6 and Yarm's Andy Gray played up the order looked a real handful playing and winning at No.4. Player of the weekend for the 17s was Darlington's Andrew Scott who won all of his four games playing at No.3.

The under-13 and 15 County boys teams were also in action in the same competition at the National Squash Centre in Manchester finishing in overall 4th and 8th positions respectively. With Norton's County Champion Danny Hockborn playing for the under 13s and Regional Champion Simon Robinson from Darlington playing for the under 15s there was a mixture of experience and also new talent incorporated on both sides. Yarm squash club provided 3 boys who were all making their County debut for the under 15-age group. James Spencer, Jake Bentham and Andrew Thomas all played 4 matches over the weekend and County manager Ken Robinson was over the moon with the progress all boys made. To finish in the highest possible position it was essential that the final game was won and James, playing last, clinched the match for the County with a thumping 3/0 win. With Simon Robinson winning all of his four games 3/0 playing at No.1, the overall team position was disappointing but the experience gained over the weekend for the new players will be valuable for next season. The under 13s had a good start to the weekend beating deadly rivals Northumbria 3/2 with Daniel Hockborn clinching the tie with a 10/8 final game win. Other winners were Nunthorpe's Alex Collins, 3/0 playing at No.1 and Norton's Scott McDonald won an hour-long marathon 3/1. Low point of the weekend was a 4/1 loss to Cumbria with Scott scoring the only win with a tremendous 3/0 over his Cumbrian rival. Sedgefield's Steven Rowsby was unlucky to lose out 2/3 after a fighting display, playing at No.4.