Sedgefield Squash Club hosted the seventh mini-squash competition for local primary schools the day before the half-term.  For the first time four schools took part in both the competition and pre-competition coaching.

Emma Larcombe toured Hardwick Primary (Sedgefield), Sedgefield Primary, St.William’s (Trimdon), and Trimdon Juniors in early October, and Dr James Larcombe organised the competition, helped by teachers from the schools and Diane Snowsill (Schools Sports partnership).

Once again, we managed a full round-robin format with five players in each team. This year’s competition was the closest ever with the outcome in doubt until the final game of the final match. The decisive encounter, however, came in the second round when Hardwick beat St.William’s 3 rubbers to 2, but lost on the crucial points score (45-43) – this has never happened before! Both teams managed similar points against Trimdon Juniors and Sedgefield Primary, so St William’s, after finishing a close second last year, went one better this year with a squad that had great depth as well as strength.

The morning competition was a resounding success, with many excellent performances from children new to the game as well as more experienced players. The winners will go on to represent the area in the first ever County Durham inter-primary schools competition.

Final results:
1 St Williams 155 pts (2 wins);
2 Sedgefield Hardwick 143 (3);
3 Sedgefield Primary 134 (1);
4 Trimdon Juniors 77 (0)

Anyone who wants to take up the game (or to practice for their next competition) are very welcome to turn up at 10.45 on Saturday mornings during term-time for club coaching (at Sedgefield squash club, in the grounds of Ceddesfeld Hall, Rectory Row) We offer two free taster sessions.