Women’s Over 55 - (Final Hilary Kenyon v Jillian Lilico)
An excellent final with National Champion Hilary Kenyon dropping down an age group. Jillian Lilico, also an England International, battled hard and it was always going to go to a decider. Kenyon edged home 3/2 for the title.
Women’s Over 50
Played in a five-round-robin group with all the players capable of winning it. European Champion Sarah Parr (BRK) started well with a win over National Champion Linda Pritchard but new in the group, Chrissie McMullen (MSY) was the favourite. She duly staked her claim in the new age group and took the title with four wins. Her third Regional.
Women's Over 45 - (Final Catherine Ruffle v Nicky Green)
A great match-up as former National Champion Green has possibly the most impressive racket skills in the Women's groups. But British Open Champion Catherine Ruffle (KNT)is a very good player and exceptionally fit and mobile. She weathered the winners and fought back to control the match and take the title in three entertaining games. A fourth Regional for the Kent woman.
Women's Over 35/40 - (Final Selina Harper v Michelle Knight)
Both players had dominated their early groups and both had one previous Regional win. It looked a level match but on the day Harper found that bit extra and after taking the first two held off a spirited counterattack to clinch the third 15/13.
Men’s Over 75 - (Final Barry Featherstone v Larry Grover)
There was a shock in this group as European and British Open Champion Ian Ross of Scotland went down in one semi-final to newcomer Larry Grover (HPH), setting up an intriguing final with an old rival Barry Featherstone (HPH) who had put on a powerful display to dispatch Martin Day (YKS) in the other semi. Grover found the right shots and played cleverly to cope with Featherstone's renowned physical game. A fourth Regional for Grover.
Men’s Over 70 - (Final John Hithersay v Robert Houldsworth)
The new guard has taken over in the 70s with John Hithersay (NHM) again removing British Open Champion Terry Belshaw (CBA) in the semi-final to set up a second final with Robert Houldsworth (LCN), Houldsworth having removed Jakey Musson (CBA) in the other semi. So a repeat of last month’s South of England final. The first two games were a great battle but Hithersay took both 11/9 and powered through the third for his second Regional.
Men’s Over 65 - (Final Robin Ridley v Tom Burton)
Tom Burton (HFD) gained a measure of revenge against Gordon McManus (KNT) in one semi-final winning through in five games to set up a final against former National Champion and Scotland No 1 Robin Ridley who reached the final after Stuart Hardy (WLT) had to retire injured. Burton very nearly had it in three but Ridley is a great competitor and sneaked the third after saving match points. Ridley then took the fourth and a dog fight of a fifth eventually saw the Herefordshire man take his first Regional 11/9.
Men’s Over 60 - (Final Alex Betts v Colin Grant)
Alex Betts (MDX) powered through to the final taking out Nigel Bacon (ESX) in four while Colin Grant of Scotland was looking very menacing in the bottom half getting through with a series of straight game wins. Betts familiar all-action style paid dividends as he took the first two games but he then seemed to weaken and the Scot levelled at two all. The Queens Club man reasserted himself and took the fifth for his sixth Regional Championship.
Men’s Over 55 - (Final Stephen McLoughlin v Paul Jenkins)
British Open Champion Steve McLoughlin (HPH) eased his way into the final with only a game dropped to Sam Hanbury (SSX) in the semi-final but Paul Jenkins of Scotland had a miraculous escape in the other as he saved 7 match points in the fourth game against Ray Burke MBE before winning in five. Not jaded by that match, the Scot continued to find outrageous winners and from 2/1 down saved the fourth 12/10 before winning in five. A great escape act!
Men’s Over 50 - (Final Nick Wall v Stuart Hargreaves)
Nick Wall (YKS) is a former Open and National Champion and means business when he appears in the draw. He had a fine action packed battle with fellow Yorkshireman Matt Stephenson while in another all Yorkshire semi final Stuart Hargreaves the former Open Champion overcame John Simpson in four. Wall was in imperious form in the final and just had too much for Hargreaves. Eleven Regionals for the Yorkshireman.
Men’s Over 45 - (Final Mick Biggs v Nick Hargreaves)
There were some against seeding results here as Simon Myring (YKS) removed second seed Paul Warner (BUX) in five but then fell again in five to the ever athletic Nick Hargreaves (NOT). In the final he met top seed Mick Biggs (MDX) who powered through in four hard hitting games against James Greenhead (SRY). In an open and free hitting match that had barely a decision made in it, Biggs continued his fine form and claimed a sixth Regional and the second of the season.
Men’s Over 40 - (Final Antony Savage v Jamie Goodrich)
Antony Savage (ESX) is top seed here and eased through his matches to set up the final with the amazing Jamie Goodrich (NOR) who played two age groups down to reach the final beating Tony Webb (SRY) in four games. Savage, the National finalist was in no mood to let this one go, however and playing with great pace and accuracy controlled proceedings taking the match 3/0 for his second Regional.
Men’s Over 35 - (Final Jamie Douglas v James Snell)
This group has proved incredibly strong with the Squash Levels of some of the players at professional levels. Chris Hall (WKS) was top seed here on over 20,000 Squash Levels but he fell to South of England Open Champion Jamie Douglas (NLD) who is in superb form at the moment. In the final he had to face another high-level player in James Snell (DVN) who is the current British Open Champion. This was a match of great class with both players producing great shots and fantastic athleticism. Snell had the edge, however and in spite of great resistance, took the North of England title to add to his British Open.
The Sponsors Karakal were thanked as were Mike Todd and Steve Ridge and all at Pontefract Squash & Leisure for hosting the tournament brilliantly. The Referees were also thanked as were the Committee and the Event Management team of Brian 'Badger' Brock and Roz Featherstone.
Stuart Hardy
Chairman