Squash

Bedale have joined the League after being shunned years ago. Their belated arrival follows a chance meeting at a local cricket match between Harrogate League fixture secretary Dave Cockle and John Abbottson, organiser of Bedale's junior ranks in the Harrogate League.

Years ago organisers of the league believed Bedale was too much on the fringe of the Harrogate District to join. But following that impromptu conversation on the boundary ropes at the cricket match Bedale were advised to apply and have now been accepted.

Cockle said because Bedale were already competing in the Harrogate Junior League officials could see no reason why they should not play at senior level. "We don't believe their entry will cause any problems and welcome them to the league," said Cockle.

Bedale will join the ranks in Division Three, but Leeds big guns Chapel Allerton, making their debut this season, will compete in Division One.

Chapel Allerton are likely to field Yorkshire League players and it was thought inappropriate for them to join Division Three.

Chapel Allerton players already appear for Scott Hall, whose side won the First Division title last season and whose base is just a short hop from the North Leeds newcomers at the Leeds City Counci-run Scott Hall Sports Centre.

The Chapel Allerton request to join came from coach Peter Edwards. Chapel Allerton's decision to join is seen as a feather in the cap for the Harrogate League's First Division where standards have improved dramatically in recent years.

The new season gets under way on Monday and will have more than 30 sides in its three divisions.

In addition the junior leagues will operate at under 17s, 15s and 13s, with a strong possibility of an under 11s section.

Pontefract Squash Centre, where world ranked international Simon Parke made his mark before moving to live in Knaresborough and later playing for Harrogate, has successfully applied to put four teams in the junior divisions.

And if the under-11s get off the ground two more Pontefract sides will be added.

But there is disappointing news from Knaresborough Squash Club. Their juniors have dropped out of the Harrogate League because there is no longer a junior coach available.

The junior league was started by Harrogate officials three years ago on a tentative basis. But it has blossomed so well it is now the envy of other leagues.

Meanwhile Ripon will fly the last flag for the former Ripon Squash Club, swept away several years ago off North Road for a housing development.

Last week it was announced that Ripon's nomadic team in the North Yorkshire League were to play under the Otley banner this season.

But Harrogate League officials have confirmed that a side under the Ripon name will continue to play in Division Three of their league.

They will play home matches at Boroughbridge Sports Centre. Last season their most regular players included Neil Jackson, Sue Bailey and Val Gears.