With both teams at full strength this top of the table clash was vital. With this and only one other fixture remaining for both teams 'Scales' were trailing the league leaders Leisure Links by 14 points. With 20 point's maximum up for grabs, 'Scales' could overhaul the leaders but only if they restricted them to no more than 6 points in reply. This was a very tall order given that 'Scales' had been beaten earlier in the season by Links 14 - 8.

On first for 'Scales' and giving them an excellent start was Dave Jackman, his opponent Colin Chyles. 'Jacko' had to bring all his years of experience into play grinding out a 9-4, 9-3, 9-7 win. Staying totally focused 'Jacko' was made to battle all the way by a very worthy opponent.

Young John Banks started well for 'Scales' but lost his way losing 9-4, 6-9, 6-9, 9-2, 5-9 to Ian Graham. This was a 5 setter that could have gone either way. The usually reliable 'Banksy' battled gamely, but once again experience was the deciding factor.

After this result it looked as though the tall order had become a little too tall for Scales to meet.

Peter Fox had what turned out to be the best chance to keep Links on top of the table but a resilient Dave Lacey had other ideas. Losing the first 2 games 10-9, 10-9 both after having strokes awarded against him on match point, Peter still managed to give a good account of himself despite losing the 3^rd game as Dave took it 9-1. This was an excellent result for Dave and put Scales right back on track.

Pressure by now was building up and started to show in the players.

Dave Lawman became his own worst enemy when he let several referee's decisions get to him. Martin Blair on the other hand stuck to the task and concentrated on his squash, winning 9-4, 9-4, 9-1. This was an excellent win for the 'Scales' man, who could have been so easily distracted by the antics on court.

'Scales' by now had the match result in the bag, but were still chasing championship points and were desperate for a win in the final game.

Paul Armstrong had other ideas as he beat Scales John McFadden 9-6 in the first game. John who had received several text messages wishing him well from friends and family during the course of the evening, looked nervous in the build up to his game and was now under severe pressure. What came next could only be described as a 'Mc Attack'. Covering every inch of the court 'Mc' turned this game on its head, playing probably the best squash he as ever played. A physically demanding 10-8 win, recovering from 8-2 down, for John was the turning point of the game. Up on his toes and oozing confidence, John took the next game 9-0. If he was floating around court in that game, he positively levitated in next again winning 9-0 as the Links player wilted under the intensity of the occasion. John left the court to a standing ovation.

With just the one remaining fixture, Whitehaven C at home, 'Scales' should take the Championship. This match will not be taken lightly as Whitehaven on a number of occasions have turned over their near neighbours. Watch this space.

Ps Negotiations are in their final stages with a local business man for team sponsorship for next season.