Over the past three years, Winscale Squash Club has built up strong links with members of the Army Squash Association. The relationship started while Brian Atherton was serving in the Army and based at Catterick. A team from the club was invited over and this was the start to what has become an annual fixture.

Last year the Army team came over to West Cumbria for a return match. A post match meal and a few drinks in the Falcon club followed the match. The visitors were very impressed by the high standard of facilities and the friendly Cumbrian welcome they received.

This year's match took place at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

A team of 10 Players departed on Fri 25 February 2005 to make the long journey to Camberley, Surry. There was a little apprehension on some faces, not having any military experience and not knowing what to expect on our arrival. However this was soon dispelled by the warm welcome we received from our host Captain Joe Rawsthorne. The team was accommodated in Old College, the most famous building in Sandhurst, with views over the parade ground, where we were able to see Student Officers rehearsing for a forthcoming parade. That evening we were entertained in the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess. This on its own was a treat with plenty of memorabilia on display.

On Saturday morning, the team was given a guided tour of the academy. It is such an impressive establishment with grand buildings set in impressive grounds. On Saturday afternoon we got down to the business in hand, the teams were evenly matched. The standard of squash played and the effort of all team members was a pleasure to watch, with the match balanced right up to the last pairing and the possibility of a draw. However the final result went in favour of the home side, 6-4.

Post match drinks were again taken in the Sergeants Mess, followed by a Chinese meal at a local restraint giving us the opportunity to experience the delights of the local inns and hostelries of Camberley. On Sunday morning after a slower start, the teams played in a very enjoyable doubles competition. This was a fitting end to a memorable visit to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The team would like to thank the squash club committee for their support and assistance with the transport costs.

Team: Dave Hetherington, Simon Pugh, Jim Devoy, Paul Finley, Doug Short, Collin Roberts, Keith Jones, Brian Atherton, Michael Hetherington and Nathanial Crichton.