SQUASH: LDSC are well beaten

The firsts were well beaten at Open University, falling to an 18-4 defeat.

Matt Carey kicked off proceedings at fifth string against Laurie Collick and, with the exception of one close game, went down 3-1. Second strings Phil Jenkins (LDSC) and Wayne James were on the second court, with the persistent shot making and accuracy of James proving decisive as he also won 3-1.

Next up were fourth strings Scot Adam (LDSC) and Terry Saunders in a match that was much closer than the 3-0 victory for OU suggested, with two games won on tie breaks.

The third string match saw LDSC’s Craig Basham beaten 3-0 by David Gibson, as Matt Mulara tried to restore some pride for his team in their final clash. He took on Ben Shakespear but, despite leading 2-1, eventually went down to a 3-2 defeat.

Missing regular first string Steve Davies, the seconds were always likely to struggle against Bunyan IIs as they lost 18-3.

Youngster Amy Rigby was completely overwhelmed by Stuart Bithrey, while Paul Main showed some character by winning the first game in a tie break against Richard Earl, before going down 3-1 at third string.

Bunyan veteran Stewart Williams’ accurate lob serve was too much for inexperienced Glen Bush as he won 3-0.

In the battle of the first strings, LDSC youngster Sam McCoy won the first game against Nathan Derrick, but that seemed to take too much out of him physically as he lost 3-1. Bunyan’s Mark Tentori completed their victory, but not without a fight, as captain Steve Wells showed his usual tenacity before succumbing 3-1.