DEPLETED by long-term injuries to Peter Millar and Roger Crowther, Kendal B team have fared well with those providing cover playing good competitive squash.

Their last league fixture before the Christmas break was against Kendal A with a lot of pride at stake.

With the A team well above the B in the league table, the B team played well to win the match 3-2 after close games all round.

The B team winners were Dave Greenwood, Chris Greenwood and Tom Glancy on his debut and much celebrating followed.

After the break Kendal B travelled to Brampton to take on their B team in the second round of the Knockout Cup.

A 4-1 victory puts the team in the semi-finals, but they have a tough draw against Barrow A at Barrow.

With Kendal A in the other semi-final an A versus B team semi would have seen at least one Kendal team in the final, but an all-Kendal final could yet happen.

In Kendal B's latest fixture at home to Cascades A, who started favourites, Mike Wharton looked like getting Kendal off to a good start in an absorbing match with Dave Unsworth.

It went to five games with Unsworth winning a long, tense rally at 7-7 before taking the next two points and the match.

Chris Greenwood at No.4 played Barry Howell and was surprised to find himself up 8-0 in the first, but generously allowed Barry to go 9-8, game ball up, before waking up again and taking the first 10-9.

He also took the next and Howell the third as he started to find his length of play.

He left it too late however and Greenwood ran out a worthy 3-1 winner, his drop shots unsettling Howell's rhythm.

Dave Hughes at No.3 played well with long rallies with Dave Wrigley.

In general play there was nothing between the pair, but Wrigley's amazing retrieving and tighter winners ensured the match was his at 3-1.

Dave Greenwood, the B team's 'Mr Dependable' didn't get his eye in this time and his tightly controlled drops and lobs were not working.

Capable Phil Rhodes gave nothing away to win 3-0.

In the No.1 slot, Tony Dixon took on the classy Dave Baxter.

Both players hit the ball with great pace and good width and determined Dixon took the first 9-6.

Unfortunately the percentages worked in Baxter's favour as he took the next two.

A spirited comeback in the fourth was not quite enough and Dixon was worn down by the accuracy and mobility to go down 1-3.