Northumbria Girls compete in England Squash Inter-Counties Competition 10th/11th October

Last weekend saw the start of the first weekend of the Inter-Counties Competition for juniors with Northumbria girls being represented in all four categories – under 13, 15, 17 and 19.

The under 13 girls had to travel to Carlisle to play against the hosts Cumbria and Yorkshire, Durham & Cleveland were due to play as well but pulled out at the last minute. The team of Beth Dean (Jesmond), Katie Barker (Northern), Anna Moore (Northern) and Naomi Appleby (Northern) had to play Cumbria first, in what was sure to be their closest match.

Katie Barker dominated her opponent, Rebekah Hall at 2nd string, winning 3 – 0 but at first string Beth Dean struggled against a very strong opponent in Rebecca Smith and lost 0 – 3. The match was to be decided at third string where Anna Moore played Ashton Telford and managed to squeeze out a 3 – 2, winning a close 5th game 11 – 8.

Naomi Appleby stepped in for Anna Moore for the match against a very strong Yorkshire side, who are one of the favourites to win the whole event. Beth Dean and Naomi battled hard but were beaten comfortably by very good players at 1 and 3, but Katie Barker had a titanic battle at 2 against highly rated Asia Harris before losing in four closely fought games.

The girls still have a chance to make it to the next round by finishing second to Yorkshire.

Thanks to Tim Barker for managing the team and to Heather Dean who helped with transport.

Richard Vitty – Girls County Coach