THE sport of racketball changed its name last year and so it was the first time that Bourne Club had held the finals of the ‘Squash 57’ Championships.

There were six tournaments in total and 25 players competed in one or more of the events which were sponsored by The Wheatsheaf in Farnham, with prizes of £50 meal vouchers to the winners.

In the main event, the open age final, John Lane defeated David Henderson 3-2 (15-8, 13-15, 15-12, 15-17, 15-13). Henderson came from 2-1 down in this marathon contest, saving match-ball at 13-14 in the fourth to then lead 10-5 in the fifth.

Lane reeled off the next six points to lead 11-10, only for Henderson to take the next three and go ahead 13-11. Lane rallied again and won the next three points to clinch the title.

The ladies’ crown went to Jo Ellis who beat Jane Upfold for the very first time. Ellis took the first game 12-10 and Upfold the second 11-8. But Ellis won the next two 11-5, 11-8, to secure the title.

The Over-55 final, contested by Bedford Lloyd and Mike Whitley, was another epic contest. Lloyd took the first game 11-9 and Whitley claimed the second by the same score. Lloyd won the third 11-7 and, in the fourth, Whitley held game-ball at 10-9, missed it, and then saved game-ball at 10-11 before losing a second, Lloyd taking the game 13-11 and the match 3-1.

Bourne’s squash 57 organiser, Alan Searle, was in the Over-65s final and had the edge against Barry Levy A in the first two games, winning both 11-7. Levy edged the third 11-9, but Searle ran away with the fourth 11-2 to seal a 3-1 victory.

In the open plate final, Bill Peters won the first game 11-9, but Keith Ramsdale then took control, winning the next three 11-4, 11-5, 11-7.

The Over-45s final between David Henderson and Simon Chambers was played on a different date as the former was already through to the open final. Henderson overcame his valiant opponent 11-3, 11-7, 11-3.

The tournaments were organised by Gary Hales, assisted by Alan Searle. Bourne Club president Martin Browne presented the Wheatsheaf vouchers and all finalists received a small trophy.