The New Year squash season got under way with Kendal’s two teams in action against their Penrith counterparts, with mixed results and honours even. 

The two senior teams slugged it out at Penrith, but unfortunately both sides had been affected by seasonal colds.

The number one match saw Graeme Braithwaite face a tough match against Phil Hall, whose drops and down the line shots gave him the upper hand in a 0-3 result.

Kendal captain Russ Lilliebridge faced Penrith’s Graham Silburn, but was not at his best and also went down 0-3. Ben Cook had his chances against Mark Vasey but could not capitalise, going down 15-17 in the fourth and final game.

Shaffin Jaffer played a smart match against Paul Parker and his thoughtful play gave him a 3-1 win.

Ian Garnett dropped the first set to Ross Bryson but came back stronger to take the next three games as Kendal B were edged out 3-2 at Penrith

Meanwhile at Kendal the second teams faced each other as Steve Couper defeated Richard Utting 3-0, while  Dave Archer struggled against Mark Rhodes, going down 1-3.

However, Steve Warner romped home against Dan Fawcett, while  Mark Jackson defeated Neil Coward without dropping a set.

Meanwhile Den Watson found himself in a battle against Kath Grey, who forced the game into a fifth set before Den was able to clinch the match, where Kendal C defeated Penrith B 4-1.

Kendal Squash Club has been in existence for around 50 years. It was founded by a group of local enthusiasts who acquired the land and then built the club themselves.

The thriving club now has three courts and there are around 200 members. The objective is to provide excellent squash facilities at very reasonable rates.

New members are welcome to join. Annual and family memberships are available. Anyone interested in trying the sport can take out a month’s trial membership. Currently there is a New Year special joining offer where the joining fee for new members is waived

Regular events include social tournaments, club tournaments, club night (also a ladies’ club night) and junior coaching.

Kendal Squash Club has two teams playing in the Cumbria leagues, most Tuesday evenings between October and March. Spectators are welcome.

Individual and small group coaching is available. The club works closely with various youth and community groups to run after-school clubs as well as sessions.

An exciting forthcoming event is being held on the weekend of January 20- 22 when one of the courts will be converted into a venue for ‘fluorescent squash’. The usual lights will be switched off and the court lit by UV lights.

Players will wear fluorescent clothing and use fluorescent rackets in a novel activity that the club hopes will attract an audience. The event starts on Friday, January 20, at 6.30pm.

More info about the club: www.kendalsquash.com

www.warwicksquash.co.uk/uv