The Womens’ events saw problems with late withdrawals but Sam Willis powered through the over 35 and 40s.  Fran Wallis of Linden SC in Lincolnshire was the runner up in the 40s and stressing she was just 45, won that one beating Nottingham’s Sue Pynegar in the final.  In the over 50s Middlesex’s Anne Windle overcame Averil Murphy of Essex  in four.

The Mens’ over 35s saw Deryshire’s Kevin White, still celebrating his father’s MBE in the New Years Honours proving too fast and mobile for former British Police Champion Jason Foster in the final.  In the over 40s a resurgent Rick Weatherell from Berkshire reminded people of his top 20 days as he dismissed no. 1 seed Peter Gunter in the quarters but he then fell to Yorkshireman Alan Norrish.  Meanwhile at the bottom of the draw Norfolk pro David Youngs was playing superb squash with his precise style beating Steve McLoughlin in the semis and Norrish in the final.  He looks on the way to an England place.

RAC pro Greg Pearman of Surrey again swept all before him in the over 45s.  Greg Loach of Derbyshire and James Ockwell of Middlesex fell without seriously troubling him.  Ockwell had previously had a good win over Yorkshire no. 1 Chris Harland.   In the over 50s Stuart Hardy returning from three months travelling upset the seedings putting out Warwickshire pro Mo Sarwar while Geoff Redfern  did likewise against Geordie Colin Shields.  Returning from injury Mark Cowley edged home against Redfern while Middlesex colleague Dulip Adihetty ended Hardy’s run.  Powerhouse of the over 50s, Ian ‘Bam Bam’ Bradburn of Lancashire won his third regional in a row beating Cowley and the Adihetty.

The over 55s is very competitive with several players chasing England caps.  Judge John Goodridge again overcame Middlesex’s Howard Cherlin in five while Cheshire’s John Duckworth has been playing himself into form and fitness all season beat local star Dave Cooper and then Neil Nightingale.   The final was all Duckworth and he stormed to a 3/0 win and seems to have done enough for his England call up.   New over 60s player, Geoff Howes (new by five days) overcame Masters Chairman Martin Pearse who had been battling one of those Christmas bugs, and nearly upset 60s front-runner Barry Featherstone of LA Fitness Salisbury who re-asserted himself in the fifth.  Meanwhile Devon’s Mike Taylor beat Chris Ansell but fell to Trevor Wilkinson who in turn lost the final to the former Army player, Featherstone in four.

In the senior age groups – the over 65s had the Silver Fox, Adrian Wright beat former Broxbourne pro Len Froggitt but in the process hurting his back.  Yorkshire’s ever nimble Mike Clemson came through the rest of the draw and took a walk-over in the final.  With unusual serving difficulties Hampshire’s Lance Kinder squandered many chances but it ended with Sussex player Tony Searle taking his second over 70 title in a row.

Please go to ENGLANDSQUASHMASTERS for more information on age group squash.