League half way report

Northumbria Squash Leagues

Mid Season News

The Northumbria Squash Leagues sponsored by Whitfields Building Services have just passed the half way point of their season with still plenty left to fight for in terms of promotion and relegation. Twenty-five clubs from the region participate in the competition, with 66 teams in the men’s leagues and 15 in the women’s. Teams as far afield as Sunderland in the south, Alnwick in the north, and Hexham and Consett in the west compete for honours on a weekly basis. There are over 600 players registered ranging in age from under 13 to over 65.

For a complete picture of league status, match results and player rankings please visit the website www.northumbriasquash.co.uk. Follow the link to Northumbria Leagues and then Results Zone for a full up to date statistical review. The following is a summary of the current positions.

In the Men’s Premier Division, Northumberland Club (Jesmond) are ahead with a healthy lead over Tynemouth. Northumberland’s Dave Barnett continues to dominate the rankings maintaining his form from previous seasons. In Division 1, the police team Northumbria Blues are unbeaten and with the strength of their squad look favourites for promotion. In this division’s rankings, Mike Burton (Northumbria Blues) and Ashington’s Rob Black are unbeaten and lead the way. Westoe 2 and Hexham are pulling away from the rest of the pack in Division 2 with Elliot Park (Northumberland Club) and Tony Bisset (Westoe) looking good in the rankings.

In Division 3 a strong Northern Junior team were early leaders with Primrose also looking strong. Eldon Square continue their good form from last season and will provide strong competition for the promotion places. Kevin Carr of Boldon and Derek Allan of Primrose head the individual rankings but watch out for past master Bryan Beeson of Chester-le Street making a comeback after serious injury problems.

Hexham 2 and Northern 5 are hard to beat in Division 4 and look good for the honours at the end of the season. Simon Graham, and Julian and Jon Steward all of Hexham lead the rankings. In Division 5, the leaders are Westoe 3 and Tynemouth 4 with Westoe’s Lee Anderson looking favourite for individual honours. Another strong Northern Junior team are pulling well ahead in Division 6 which is a tribute to the coaching set up at that club. Ashington 3 are looking strong for the other promotion place with a few other teams up there with them. Alex Robertson (Northern), Andy Jewers (Gateshead) and Josh Gebhard (Eldon Square) are doing well in the rankings.

The Ladies Leagues continue to thrive with Tynemouth playing really well, who are unbeaten in Division 1. Northumberland Club and Northern look set to compete for the runner –up position. Samantha Ward of Tynemouth continues to improve and heads the divisional rankings. In Division 2 the favourites are Northern 2 with their Ros Edwards leading the rest of the ladies in this division.

The Leagues wish to thank the sponsors Whitfields Building Services, for their continuing support. Their help is invaluable in keeping this highly popular support alive and well in the north-east.