Last weekend the girls, management and family support, set off on perhaps the Counties furthest ever Inter County away fixture (650 miles round trip), to take part in the Trophy Final at Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Also taking part was Hampshire, and it was a tight day's squash that ensued.

Cumbria's first opponents were Hampshire, and the Cumbrian girls were up for the match from the off, with Victoria Watson (Penrith) and Hannah Crichton (Windscale) playing at 5 and 3 respectively hoping to get us away to a flying start.

Victoria (national ranking 15's 42) played Amy Stenner (17's 62) and was soon 1 game down as Amy controlled from the 'T'. The second game saw Victoria turn the tables and force Amy round the court to level the match. A strong tussle developed in the third as both girls vied for the advantage and it was Amy that came through in a very close third 13/11. Somewhat crestfallen having had game ball in the previous, this game was soon a chase for Victoria, as she lost crucial points along the way, losing the fourth and match 3-1.

Hannah (17's 58) was playing Emily Hume (17's 53), and never let her opponent settle herself into the match. Consistent steady squash allowed her to dominate the opener taking it 11/6. More of the same followed in the second as Hannah imposed herself on Emily, not allowing her any time or advantage on court, winning the second 11/8. The third was a copy of the first score-wise, as Hannah relentlessly forced errors from Emily with quality squash that on the day was well worth her 3-0 victory. And the tie stood at 1 match to each county.

Next up were Sarah Frain (Whitehaven) at 1, and Luisa Mc Gregor (Windscale) at 4. Both playing at top form would have been a test for the Hampshire girls, however Sarah's form has been hot and cold recently, and Luisa can suddenly lose confidence during matches, so it was a good test for them both.

Sarah (17's 89) was slowly into her stride as Emily Heyes (17'S 56) moved her around the court, and although there were glimpses of what Sarah is capable of on court, they were too infrequent, and Emily took the opening game. Sarah probably played better in the second game for less reward on the scoreboard, but showed to herself that Emily wasn't unbeatable, just that Sarah needed to be more clinical when the opportunity arose. Having had chances she generally struggled to put the ball away and Emily profited to take the second also. Sarah did indeed come out fighting in the third, taking the game to Emily, and it was only Emily's court craft that saved her from losing the third as Sarah pushed her all the way just losing out 11/8, to lose the match 3-0, but having played some good squash against a strong opponent.

Luisa (17's 76) was playing her opponent from the previous weeks Inter County under 15's Trophy Final, and having come close in that new exactly how to play Lydia Hume (17's 59). The first game saw Luisa totally dominate the court and although the score was close, it was a late salvo of points from Lydia that made the score respectable, as Luisa was in a hurry to finish it at game point and it was this that kept Lydia from a heavy defeat in the first. Somewhat encouraged by Luisa's lack of calmness, Lydia slowed everything down in the second game, and Luisa struggled to find a steady length or width to her shots. Lydia put away the key points and it was soon 1 game all. Luisa came out in the third going for shots and gave a lot of cheap points away to lose the third in no time at all. This suited Lydia as she wasted no effort in winning a cheap third game, consequently with the game advantage she pressurised Luisa into more unforced errors which ultimately cost her the fourth game also, and the match 3-1. These two defeats meant that the tie was lost.

Last on was Jessica Winder (Windscale) playing against Emily Crowcroft (17's 50). Jessica (17's 43) was slowly into her stride and was soon a couple of points adrift, which at PAR to 11 takes some pulling back, and so it proved as Emily claimed a close first game. Jessica learned from her mistakes in the first and dominated the front court far better in the second, running out an 11/4 winner to level the match. An even easier win for Jessica in the third, as she tortured her opponent with great shots, meant that the formality of wrapping up the match wasn't far away, and sure enough the fourth went Jessica's way too, although Emily put up a tremendous fight, all to no avail losing the fourth 9/11, and Jessica winning the match 3-1.

So with 1 tie played and having lost 3 matches to 2, it was vital the Cumbrian girls got off to a good start against the hosts Buckinghamshire in our next tie.

Once again it was Victoria and Hannah up front leading the charge.

Victoria played Rachael Hamp, and played with much more authority than she had in the earlier tie. Taking all her opportunities as they came along, looking comfortable throughout, she played some excellent squash to beat her opponent in straight games 11/7, 11/8, 11/4, to get the county off to the start it needed. This was a much more assured performance, showing that Victoria needs to worry less about her opponent and concentrate more on her own game and the results will follow.

Hannah against Isabel Maloney (17's 49) was a potentially tough match, but Hannah carried through her recent good form, and encouragement from her good mornings win, into this encounter with relish. She soon had Isabel on the back foot, as she punished anything loose, and it carried her through to a winning start 11/7. More steady, uncomplicated squash followed in the second, as once again Hannah dominated the important rallies picking off valuable winners when required, and Isabel was soon two games adrift. Hannah was in no mood to lose a game on the day, and pressed on, upping the ante in the third as Isabel had not many answers to the questions posed by Hannah. The third going to Hannah 11/4, to make it a relatively comfortable win 3-0, to round off an excellent unbeaten weekend for her, without having dropped a game to two higher ranked players.

So with the County 2 matches up, Sarah and Luisa were next up to deliver the hoped for winning match.

Sarah had the toughest match of the two against Natalie Machin (17's 31). This was a game where Sarah needed to keep believing in her ability to enable her to get anything out of it. Natalie started well unfortunately for Sarah, who soon found herself 6 points adrift, but Sarah found some steady squash got her back into the game, but the start had cost her dearly as she lost the game 11/5. Somewhat more upbeat than in the mornings match, Sarah realised it was about what she did, not her opponent that was going to shape the outcome of the match. Encouraged by her comeback in the first game, she took Natalie on in the second, and despite a similar score-line to the first game, proved to herself that if she took the chances that Natalie offered her, she could more than make a game of it. So at two games down, it was a much more confidant Sarah that strode onto court for the third game. Steady winners and well constructed rallies meant that it was Sarah who dominated this game, much to Natalie's annoyance, as the decibel levels increased, and it was a well earned third game to Sarah 11/8, to give Cumbria the chance of an upset. Much happier with her form, which had been bubbling up nicely over the days proceedings, Sarah for the first time realised that she had nothing to fear from her higher ranked opponent. Into the fourth the early points were shared as neither girl could break free on the scoreboard, longer rallies ensued as neither girl went for anything risky that could potentially lead to either gaining an undeserved lead. Alas for Sarah, Natalie gained a small two point advantage to lead 8/6, and it was through trying to pull this points advantage back that Sarah made a couple of further errors, and Natalie claimed a tighter than it looks on the score sheet fourth game 11/6. Sarah had finished the day having improved her form throughout, and should be well pleased with her team contribution.

Over on Luisa's court against Megan Mc Neil (15's 23), high hopes soon turned to dust, as the tenacious teenager from Bucks. chased down every loose shot, and retrieved everything that Luisa played, for a comfortable 3-0 win. Luisa played well in the first only to lose her way within sight of game ball, as once again she pressed the panic button, when all that was required was a steady shot or clear decision on what to play, and it was this uncertainty which was to cost her dear. Having lost the opener 11/9, it was hoped Luisa could use that as the springboard to success in the second, but it wasn't to be as self doubts cost her the second game also. Distraught with the thought of letting the team down, it wasn't the clearest mind that Luisa took onto court in the third, and as points ebbed away, so did her chances and she succumbed in the third game 11/8. Although she did have her chances with Megan occasionally offering Luisa cheap points, Luisa's lack of straight thinking was her downfall, as opposed to anything Megan threw at her.

So, the state of the tie all now rested on whether Jessica could beat Roisin Mc Neil (17's 29) for a Cumbrian win. Jessica set off fantastically, and Roisin was never in it as Jessica rattled up an 11/3 score, winning in no time at all. Undeterred by this, Roisin completely turned the tables on Jessica in the second as she won for the loss of only 4 points. There was nothing between the two of them in the next two games as both of them registered an 11/9 game to once again level the match up at 2 games all. So the deciding game was for the match and tie. Having someone as experienced as Jessica at number 2, played into Cumbria's hands as she duly delivered in the 5^th game, winning it 11/8, to win the match 3-2, and the tie 3-2 also.

Megan Singleton (Windscale) also travelled with the Cumbrian girls to gain her valuable out of county match experience, and in her two games played some excellent squash. First up for Megan was Rachael Hamp (Buckinghamshire number 5/6), and at 1 game all the game could have gone either way, but it was Megan that played the better squash to win the next two games, for a great 3-1 win. Her second match was against Lauren Casling (Buckinghamshire 5/6), who Megan found to be an easier player to beat. More good squash and well constructed rallies meant that the 3-0 score was a very fair reflection on Megan's ability, and a warning to the rest of the girls in the teams to keep looking over their shoulder! (Thanks to Buckinghamshire for providing two players for her).

So Cumbria having won and lost 1 tie, it was all down to how Buckinghamshire did in their tie with Hampshire, to decide who were the Trophy winners, and depending on the game scores Cumbria could still win the Trophy. Buckinghamshire needed to win to take the honours, and needed to score more than nine games to deny Cumbria a share of the Trophy. This they duly did by winning 3-2, and claiming 11 games in the process, to win the Trophy with 24 points. Both Cumbria and Hampshire finished as joint runners-up on 23 points each.

Thanks to the Girls for all your efforts this season both playing and coaching, the supporting family members who made the long trip over the weekend to offer encouragement, Linda for her coaching and advice, and last but not least the County Junior Chairman, David Henderson, for all his support throughout the long Inter County Season.

Cheers John Crichton, (Cumbria Girls Teams Manager)

Victoria (national ranking 15's 42) played Amy Stenner (17's 62) and was soon 1 game down as Amy controlled from the 'T'. The second game saw Victoria turn the tables and force Amy round the court to level the match. A strong tussle developed in the third as both girls vied for the advantage and it was Amy that came through in a very close third 13/11. Somewhat crestfallen having had game ball in the previous, this game was soon a chase for Victoria, as she lost crucial points along the way, losing the fourth and match 3-1.

Hannah (17's 58) was playing Emily Hume (17's 53), and never let her opponent settle herself into the match. Consistent steady squash allowed her to dominate the opener taking it 11/6. More of the same followed in the second as Hannah imposed herself on Emily, not allowing her any time or advantage on court, winning the second 11/8. The third was a copy of the first score-wise, as Hannah relentlessly forced errors from Emily with quality squash that on the day was well worth her 3-0 victory. And the tie stood at 1 match to each county.

Next up were Sarah Frain (Whitehaven) at 1, and Luisa Mc Gregor (Windscale) at 4. Both playing at top form would have been a test for the Hampshire girls, however Sarah's form has been hot and cold recently, and Luisa can suddenly lose confidence during matches, so it was a good test for them both.

Sarah (17's 89) was slowly into her stride as Emily Heyes (17'S 56) moved her around the court, and although there were glimpses of what Sarah is capable of on court, they were too infrequent, and Emily took the opening game. Sarah probably played better in the second game for less reward on the scoreboard, but showed to herself that Emily wasn't unbeatable, just that Sarah needed to be more clinical when the opportunity arose. Having had chances she generally struggled to put the ball away and Emily profited to take the second also. Sarah did indeed come out fighting in the third, taking the game to Emily, and it was only Emily's court craft that saved her from losing the third as Sarah pushed her all the way just losing out 11/8, to lose the match 3-0, but having played some good squash against a strong opponent.

Luisa (17's 76) was playing her opponent from the previous weeks Inter County under 15's Trophy Final, and having come close in that new exactly how to play Lydia Hume (17's 59). The first game saw Luisa totally dominate the court and although the score was close, it was a late salvo of points from Lydia that made the score respectable, as Luisa was in a hurry to finish it at game point and it was this that kept Lydia from a heavy defeat in the first. Somewhat encouraged by Luisa's lack of calmness, Lydia slowed everything down in the second game, and Luisa struggled to find a steady length or width to her shots. Lydia put away the key points and it was soon 1 game all. Luisa came out in the third going for shots and gave a lot of cheap points away to lose the third in no time at all. This suited Lydia as she wasted no effort in winning a cheap third game, consequently with the game advantage she pressurised Luisa into more unforced errors which ultimately cost her the fourth game also, and the match 3-1. These two defeats meant that the tie was lost.

Last on was Jessica Winder (Windscale) playing against Emily Crowcroft (17's 50). Jessica (17's 43) was slowly into her stride and was soon a couple of points adrift, which at PAR to 11 takes some pulling back, and so it proved as Emily claimed a close first game. Jessica learned from her mistakes in the first and dominated the front court far better in the second, running out an 11/4 winner to level the match. An even easier win for Jessica in the third, as she tortured her opponent with great shots, meant that the formality of wrapping up the match wasn't far away, and sure enough the fourth went Jessica's way too, although Emily put up a tremendous fight, all to no avail losing the fourth 9/11, and Jessica winning the match 3-1.

So with 1 tie played and having lost 3 matches to 2, it was vital the Cumbrian girls got off to a good start against the hosts Buckinghamshire in our next tie.

Once again it was Victoria and Hannah up front leading the charge.

Victoria played Rachael Hamp, and played with much more authority than she had in the earlier tie. Taking all her opportunities as they came along, looking comfortable throughout, she played some excellent squash to beat her opponent in straight games 11/7, 11/8, 11/4, to get the county off to the start it needed. This was a much more assured performance, showing that Victoria needs to worry less about her opponent and concentrate more on her own game and the results will follow.

Hannah against Isabel Maloney (17's 49) was a potentially tough match, but Hannah carried through her recent good form, and encouragement from her good mornings win, into this encounter with relish. She soon had Isabel on the back foot, as she punished anything loose, and it carried her through to a winning start 11/7. More steady, uncomplicated squash followed in the second, as once again Hannah dominated the important rallies picking off valuable winners when required, and Isabel was soon two games adrift. Hannah was in no mood to lose a game on the day, and pressed on, upping the ante in the third as Isabel had not many answers to the questions posed by Hannah. The third going to Hannah 11/4, to make it a relatively comfortable win 3-0, to round off an excellent unbeaten weekend for her, without having dropped a game to two higher ranked players.

So with the County 2 matches up, Sarah and Luisa were next up to deliver the hoped for winning match.

Sarah had the toughest match of the two against Natalie Machin (17's 31). This was a game where Sarah needed to keep believing in her ability to enable her to get anything out of it. Natalie started well unfortunately for Sarah, who soon found herself 6 points adrift, but Sarah found some steady squash got her back into the game, but the start had cost her dearly as she lost the game 11/5. Somewhat more upbeat than in the mornings match, Sarah realised it was about what she did, not her opponent that was going to shape the outcome of the match. Encouraged by her comeback in the first game, she took Natalie on in the second, and despite a similar score-line to the first game, proved to herself that if she took the chances that Natalie offered her, she could more than make a game of it. So at two games down, it was a much more confidant Sarah that strode onto court for the third game. Steady winners and well constructed rallies meant that it was Sarah who dominated this game, much to Natalie's annoyance, as the decibel levels increased, and it was a well earned third game to Sarah 11/8, to give Cumbria the chance of an upset. Much happier with her form, which had been bubbling up nicely over the days proceedings, Sarah for the first time realised that she had nothing to fear from her higher ranked opponent. Into the fourth the early points were shared as neither girl could break free on the scoreboard, longer rallies ensued as neither girl went for anything risky that could potentially lead to either gaining an undeserved lead. Alas for Sarah, Natalie gained a small two point advantage to lead 8/6, and it was through trying to pull this points advantage back that Sarah made a couple of further errors, and Natalie claimed a tighter than it looks on the score sheet fourth game 11/6. Sarah had finished the day having improved her form throughout, and should be well pleased with her team contribution.

Over on Luisa's court against Megan Mc Neil (15's 23), high hopes soon turned to dust, as the tenacious teenager from Bucks. chased down every loose shot, and retrieved everything that Luisa played, for a comfortable 3-0 win. Luisa played well in the first only to lose her way within sight of game ball, as once again she pressed the panic button, when all that was required was a steady shot or clear decision on what to play, and it was this uncertainty which was to cost her dear. Having lost the opener 11/9, it was hoped Luisa could use that as the springboard to success in the second, but it wasn't to be as self doubts cost her the second game also. Distraught with the thought of letting the team down, it wasn't the clearest mind that Luisa took onto court in the third, and as points ebbed away, so did her chances and she succumbed in the third game 11/8. Although she did have her chances with Megan occasionally offering Luisa cheap points, Luisa's lack of straight thinking was her downfall, as opposed to anything Megan threw at her.

So, the state of the tie all now rested on whether Jessica could beat Roisin Mc Neil (17's 29) for a Cumbrian win. Jessica set off fantastically, and Roisin was never in it as Jessica rattled up an 11/3 score, winning in no time at all. Undeterred by this, Roisin completely turned the tables on Jessica in the second as she won for the loss of only 4 points. There was nothing between the two of them in the next two games as both of them registered an 11/9 game to once again level the match up at 2 games all. So the deciding game was for the match and tie. Having someone as experienced as Jessica at number 2, played into Cumbria's hands as she duly delivered in the 5^th game, winning it 11/8, to win the match 3-2, and the tie 3-2 also.

Megan Singleton (Windscale) also travelled with the Cumbrian girls to gain her valuable out of county match experience, and in her two games played some excellent squash. First up for Megan was Rachael Hamp (Buckinghamshire number 5/6), and at 1 game all the game could have gone either way, but it was Megan that played the better squash to win the next two games, for a great 3-1 win. Her second match was against Lauren Casling (Buckinghamshire 5/6), who Megan found to be an easier player to beat. More good squash and well constructed rallies meant that the 3-0 score was a very fair reflection on Megan's ability, and a warning to the rest of the girls in the teams to keep looking over their shoulder! (Thanks to Buckinghamshire for providing two players for her).

So Cumbria having won and lost 1 tie, it was all down to how Buckinghamshire did in their tie with Hampshire, to decide who were the Trophy winners, and depending on the game scores Cumbria could still win the Trophy. Buckinghamshire needed to win to take the honours, and needed to score more than nine games to deny Cumbria a share of the Trophy. This they duly did by winning 3-2, and claiming 11 games in the process, to win the Trophy with 24 points. Both Cumbria and Hampshire finished as joint runners-up on 23 points each.

Thanks to the Girls for all your efforts this season both playing and coaching, the supporting family members who made the long trip over the weekend to offer encouragement, Linda for her coaching and advice, and last but not least the County Junior Chairman, David Henderson, for all his support throughout the long Inter County Season.

Cheers John Crichton, (Cumbria Girls Teams Manager)