University of York Squash continued their impressive run in the Northern Conference Cup by overcoming a spirited Durham 2nds in the quarter finals. After beating Durham 1sts in the last 32, York whitewashed their resilient opponents in a match that was never in doubt. Representing the university was Ed Shannon, Matt Lewis and Jon Holden.
First up was Jon ‘the lighting bolt’ Holden in the 3rd string match. His opponent Rolly struggled with Jon’s delicate touch in the first game, which Holden won 11-3.
However, in the next game, Rolly managed to calm the storm. After some tough exchanges, and a few errors from Holden, the Durham man claimed the second game 11-9.
The errors which were so costly in the second game were promptly stamped out, and after a barrage of winners and attacking play, Holden secured the next two games 11-7 and 11-6 respectively, and in doing so claimed the rubber 3 games to 1 for York.
Next up in the 2nd string match was Matt ‘the slayer’ Lewis. Needing only to win this rubber to secure the match a fired up Lewis quickly took the first game 11-7.
But his opponent Ben rallied in the next forcing the game to a tie-break, where you need to win by two clear points. After some attritional squash and some great movement from Lewis, he claimed the game 12-10.
The next was a similar story with the players exchanging points and again the game going to a tie-break. However Lewis’ accuracy began to take its toll on his opponent, as he moved Ben to all four corners of the court.
These exertions began to show, and after a great final rally Lewis was able to close out the game 16-14 and in doing so won both the rubber and the match for York.
Finally in the 1st string match was Ed ‘the cannon’ Shannon against Elliot. Wasting no time, Shannon quickly dispatched the first game with a plethora of winners 11-4.
However, a resilient Elliot began to trade some winners of his own in the next with the game slightly closer at 11-7 to the York man.
The last was a tighter affair, with the game turning slightly more defensive and the rallies extending in length. But with another winner at the end Shannon closed out the match 13-11 to complete the 3-0 whitewash overall.
York will now play Leeds Met Carnegie 2nds in the semi-final.