In the stage 2 round of matches Cumbria played Cheshire and Lancashire (hosts), at Prestwich on Sunday, and emulated last years Cumbrian Girls under 17's, in winning both their matches to qualify for the Trophy Final.

Our first match was against Cheshire, who had lost their opening match to Lancashire 4 ties to 1. At number 5, Ashleigh Hunter (Carlisle) got Cumbria off to a great start, cruising through her three games for the loss of four points in each of them, for a 3-0 win. On the adjacent court Victoria Watson (Penrith) was too strong for her opponent, only dropping one point in the first two games, and five in the last, for another 3-0 win. Following this pair on were Megan Singleton number 4 (Windscale) and Jessica Winder at number 1 also (Windscale). Megan wasn't about to let the Cheshire girl get into her stride and reeled off a couple of tidy games to put herself two games up, and it was soon all over as she wrapped up the third game, for a 3-0 win, and the match to Cumbria.

Jessica, who was a late illness doubt having been poorly all week and nowhere near a squash court, fought valiantly against Jess Davies the Cheshire number one, and in a ding-dong battle having been two one up, lost the fourth as she tired slightly, and only just lost the fifth game 12/10 for the Cheshire teams sole win, 3-2. Luisa Mc Gregor (Windscale) at number two, steam-rollered her opponent, in no time at all for the loss of only four points in her easy 3-0 success. This was a great start for our team.

After a suitable rest and a few thoughts from Linda Winder (Windscale) the Cumbrian Girls Coach, it was onto the game against Lancashire, who posed more of a danger on paper, however it was a different matter on court once the door shut.

As before Ashleigh and Victoria got us away to a great start, both enjoying 3-0 victories, although somewhat more taxing than the previous match. Ashleigh had a tight opener but won it 11/7, which brought out the best in her for the remaining two games which she won more comfortably. Victoria's games were far closer though, and having just shaded the first 11/9, found it slightly easier in the second, before her opponent mounted a sterner challenge in the third, but Victoria saw her off, again winning 11/9 for a good result. Megan and Jessica were in no mood to let the team down and both duly won 3-0, although both had to dig deep in their games to see off the more able Lancashire girls. Megan was only really pushed in her second game with her opponent reaching seven points, but wasn't in any danger of losing. Jessica, having benefited from her first match run-out, saw off her opponent in a very tight opener 11/9, then cruised through the second, only to edge a tight third 11/8, for a good win. All that remained was for Luisa to keep up her good form, and although she dropped the opening game 14/12, through a little bit of carelessness, she made sure the next game was a truer reflection of her ability, winning 11/2. Her opponent pushed Luisa in the third as she tried to gain the advantage again, but it wasn't to be as Luisa shaded it 12/10, the last being more easy, for a 3-1 victory, and 5 ties to 0 success.

Congratulations to all the girls, and the management team, and all the best in the Trophy Final.