Friday May 12^th saw the annual finals night extravaganza of squash, with no less than 6 competitions coming to their climax on the evening.

In the Veterans competition final between Nigel Stewart and Paul Messenger, the crowd were entertained for 5 games in a seesaw match. Nigel was quickest into his stride and had the first two games sewn up 9-2, 9-2, inside 15 minutes.

Whilst the above game was on court one, across on the other show court the Handicap final was being played. Keith Jones was against Keith Pearson both off +8. In the months leading up to the final, both players had plenty of court time, and as many who thought they had a good handicap found out, it's not what your given but how you use it that counts. Both players, taking some notable scalps, and high handicappers out on their way to the final. 'Jonesy' got to match point first, and without further ado he claimed the title by winning the second game 15 - 13.

The next match on court one was the Veterans plate final between Hudson 'Tut' Irving and Malcolm Andrews, a game of contrasting styles.  At the mid point of the game, with Tut lobbing Malcolm into the back corners, it was Tut who scored the crucial points to win 9-5, and get in front in the match. The fourth game was a tough game for Malcolm, with Tut stroking the ball around with good deal of panache. Errors at crucial times from Malcolm, whilst he had Hudson out of position, meant that the match quickly slipped from view, and Tut went on to finish the game 9-1, and the match by 3 games to 1.

Over on court 3, Paul Messenger, not quite so fresh from his 5 games in the Vets final, was up against the youngster Kevin Preston, and his army of female watchers! Kevin obviously fresher, was onto his game early forcing the rallies and dictating the pace of the contest.  However Kevin lost in three 10-8, 9-7, 9-7, despite reaching 7 points first in every game, and had played his part in a magnificent match. Paul did not want to go home empty handed, whatever his personal cost fitness wise, a true champion.

Back on court again was Keith Pearson, this time in the final of the Non-Ranked competition against Pelham 'Spike' Milligan. As he had already played, Keith's 'eye was in', and he was loosened up and ready to go, and 'Spike' hardly got a look in during the first game. Keith is also capable of pulling a little more out of the bag when his back's against the wall and he wasn't going to lose without a fight. Excellent recovering from nearly lost situations helped Keith to keep close to Pelham's score, however he could not get ahead and it was Pelham who served out the match winning the fourth game 9 - 7, and the match three games to one.

Onto the court next strode the reigning champion, Sean Jenkinson, and the challenger Neil Pattinson, for what looked like could be an epic encounter, in the Club Championship final.

After an all action warm up, where just about every shot ever seen on a squash court was practiced, the crowd settled down to the first game and a feast of squash. Sean into his stride first, as he pushed Neil to the limits of his shot recoveries, and forced the early pace. Neither player able to impose himself on the game, with no runs of points, it was decided by Neil making slightly more errors than Sean, by perhaps forcing the pace at times, allied to Sean's accurate shots. First game to Sean 9-6. The second game was again very similar to the first, with neither player dominating for any length of time, or run of points, and long rallies being the norm. Sean's long reach saved him on many a point, with Neil's all action retrieving doing likewise, when many a point for either player looked lost. Neil gaining the upper hand towards the end of this game to take it 9-4, 1 game all, game-on!

Whilst like the first two games, neither player was able to impose himself for points at a time, or totally dominate the game; each player in turn had periods of control, but was unable to eke out any real lead. But as the game reached the latter stages, it was Neil who pushed on, gaining the comfort of a couple of points lead, and at the first time of asking won the point, to become Windscale Squash Club Champion for the first time winning the final game 9-6, and the match 3 games to 2. Both players had contributed to an excellent final, played in a friendly spirit, where good sportsmanship and honesty of endeavour were always to the fore.

Altogether an excellent evenings squash entertainment. However these events don't just happen and a few thank-you's are in order. Firstly to the players, but especially to the markers, Dave Jackman and Graham Robinson, who officiated all night, keeping everyone in check. Secondly to all the competitors who never made the finals, and there were plenty of them with over 40 entries each in the Vet's, Handicap and Club Championship, and thanks for coming to support the finalists on the night. Thirdly Jimmy Irving, for his organisation and running of the competitions, keeping them on track and getting them to a conclusion on time, and on budget. And lastly but certainly by no means least, thanks to Sharon Milligan and her kitchen staff for the excellent 'Tatie-pot' supper to replenish the stomach's of everyone who attended, and the bar staff at the Falcon for keeping the amber fluid going throughout the nights entertainment.

2006 finals night photo & report