Lochaber Squash Club played Gordonstoun Squash Club in their first match of a new Highlands and Islands Squash Association League Cup. The League will encourage competition between the more distant clubs in the Association.
The teams met at Lochaber Leisure Centre on Saturday with Lochaber wearing their new shirts sponsored by Highland Waterworks.
Playing in reverse order the level 4 match was between Donald Smith (LSC) and Alfonso Brandin (GSC). The first two games followed a similar pattern with neither player gaining any advantage until the latter stages when Donald won crucial points to lead 2-0. In game 3 he exerted more control from the outset to win the match 3-0.
Next on were Andy Bilton (LSC) and Andrew Lyall (GSC). This match went to five games with the result in doubt to the end. Andrew took an early lead in game 1; Andy was back on terms but could not save the game. He reversed the position in game 2 and was too strong in game 3 to lead 2-1. Andrew led throughout game 4 to level the match at 2-2. Both players had used power and guile to good effect but tiredness took its toll on both as Andy closed out game 5 to win 3-2.
The level 2 match saw Ian Black (LSC) play Pete Richardson (GSC). In game 1 neither gained an advantage as both players struck the ball very hard before Ian edged the game. Pete came back strongly in game 2 but Ian held on to win narrowly. In game 3 it was level at 7 all before Ian took four points to win 3-0.
The level 1 match Alan Love (LSC) and John Georgeson (GSC) was the highlight of the day. Throughout both players maintained the pressure in extended rallies with variations of power and touch. John won the first game by a narrow margin. Alan won 11-4 in games 2 and 3 but this did not reflect the quality of the play. John won a close game 4 to level the score. The final game was even before Alan took the lead to seal a win for Lochaber.
LSC thanked Gordonstoun for a very enjoyable match and the Leisure Centre staff for their assistance.
Full Result
Alan Love 3-2 John Georgeson (9/11 11/4 11/4 11/13 11/7)
Ian Black 3-0 Peter Richardson (11/9 12/10 11/7)
Andy Bilton 3-2 Andrew Lyall (7/11 11/7 5/11 11/7 11/7)
Donald Smith 3-0 Alfonso Brandin (11/8 11/7 11/3)