Men’s O65s Cruise into National Finals

For the ICC regional group stage on 14th March, Northumbria Men’s O65s travelled to Norton Squash Club, Stockton-on-Tees, with our vastly upgraded line-up of European Masters O65 champion Bryan Beeson (Northumberland Club) at #1, Welsh O65 international Jon Evans (Primrose) at #2, and current Northumbria O65 champion John Ord (Primrose) at #3.

In our 3-county Northern group, we faced Lancashire and hosts Durham & Cleveland, with the top two counties qualifying for the national finals.

Our first opponents, Lancashire, had travelled without their top three players and were somewhat jaded having already played D&C in the morning session, winning 3-0 with the 2nd and 3rd string matches both going the full distance. Opening Northumbria’s account, John wasted no time in despatching Neil Rodda 3-0 (11-8, 11-3, 11-8). Then Bryan cruised to victory over Alan Connor, winning 3-0 (11-4, 11-3, 11-4), and Jon made it a clean sweep, beating Rob Houldsworth 3-0 (11-2, 11-4, 11-4).

In the final session, we took on D&C, who had been depleted by the loss of 1st string Neil Harrison to injury during his first match. John recorded another quick win, beating Geoff Smith 3-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-3), Bryan followed suit overpowering Ian Williams 3-0 (11-2, 11-4, 11-3) and Jon wrapped it all up beating Joe McAuley 3-0 (11-3, 11-6, 11-5).

So a great result for Northumbria with maximum points in the group stage. On we go to the national finals in Warwickshire on 16th/17th May, where, with this team, we must have a strong chance of lifting the national title!