Quarters
1 Daryl Selby 3-1 5/8 Joel Hinds
                        10/12, 11/9,  11/9, 11/6
3/4 Chris Simpson 3-0 5/8 Angus Gillams
                       11/9, 11/8, 11/3
3/4 Tom Richards 3-2 5/8 Declan James
                       11-6 10-12 11-6 9-11 11-5
2 James Willstrop 3-1 5/8 James Earles
                        11/7, 11/6, 3/11, 11/4

All four of the younger players acquitted themselves well and it was Declan James who came closest to an upset losing 3-2 to Richards, Selby beat Hinds 3-1; Simpson beat  Gillam 3-0 and Willstrop beat Earles 3-1. 

Semis
3/4 Chris Simpson 3-1 1 Daryl Selby 11/9, 11/7, 5/11, 11/9
2 James Willstrop 3-0 3/4 Tom Richards    11/5, 11/7, 11/3

The event is demanding because the semi finals and final are played on the same day, Selby and Simpson were first on and a tough first game went the way of Simpson, 11-9.

He took the second 11-7  and at 2-0 looked well set. Selby hardly gives way lightly and when he won the third comfortably 11-5, a recovery seemed well on the way. Simpson, however, came back strongly and won the fourth and a place in the final 11-9.   

Willstrop now faced Richards and after the latter's five set match the previous night before it seemed likely he might start slowly and he did, though Willstrop was sharp with the racket, hitting a succession of winners. 

Richards moved better in the second, but Willstrop's racket was serving him well and he went 2-0 up, 11-5,11-7. He continued to attack successfully in the third and with Richards resisting less he won it and the match 11-3. 

Final
James Willstrop 3-0 Chris Simpson  9/11, 11/8, 11/5, 11/8

So to the final: the two Harrogate dwellers often practise/play together and so there is not much they don't know about each other's games.

Simpson began sharply and although Willstrop led 6-4 going well, a run of errors brought Simpson back into the game to  lead 10-6. More resistance from Willstrop, but Simpson clinched the game 11-9.

Willstrop led 8-5 in the second and although Simpson battled hard, the match was levelled 11-8. and Willstrop raced into a 6-0 lead in  the third and took a 2-1 lead 11-5. 

His racket had served him well throughout the championship and he soon asserted in the fourth and finished it off 11-8.  Simpson's semi final exertions may have left him a little short despite his high fitness reputation, but Willstrop's skill meant he put Simpson through a lot of work.

Both will be happy with the quality of the final, setting Willstrop up for Shanghai and Simpson for Manchester. Top world referee John Masserella officiated as he regularly does at Cleethorpes and Mike Hallam, besides thanking his many sponsors, told the crowd that the next two years are already guaranteed-good news indeed.

18th Edition of the Event
Mike Hallam presents

 With the squash section at Cleethorpes as vibrant as ever, Ladies and Junior sections growing, it is a pleasure once again to be able to hold, in its 18th year, the Cleethorpes Cricket Club Professional Invitation Squash Tournament.

Many thanks to the main sponsors. Without such support we would never be able to put on such an event, I cannot thank you enough.

The quality of the players is as strong as ever, we are privileged to have them in Cleethorpes. We welcome some new faces and are pleased to see the return of players that have supported the tournament for many years.

A little smile to finish. John Masserella is coming this year yet again to look after the referees. He's been there with from from the start, 18 years ago...
 

Many thanks to the main sponsors, Oceanblue Logistics, Buildbase, Van Franchise, Rudd Solicitors, Centrica, Bring Logistics, A.P.Robinson Accountants, Immingham Transport and Cristal Pigments UK for their generous support.