MELBOURN Squash Club retained the Hereward Cup after victory over Cambridge IIs in a final played at Hunts County on Saturday.

As the competition is limited to clubs playing in Division Three or below of the Cambridgeshire Leagues, Cambridge, who recently won the Division Three title and were on a 13-match winning streak, represented the strongest possible challenge for Melbourn.

Despite being holders, Melbourn started as marginal underdogs.

Kate Bradshaw got Melbourn off to the best possible start, producing nearly error-free squash to win the opening two games of the fifth-string match. Her opponent, Paul Walker, dug in to claim the third, but this merely sparked a decisive run from Bradshaw as she triumphed 9-2, 9-4, 5-9, 9-0.

Cambridge responded as Andrew Dawson proved too strong for Jan Brynjolffssen (four), who struggled with his length of shot, losing 2-9, 3-9, 4-9.

Dan Easton’s superior fitness gradually wore Mat Williams down over the course of the third string match, the players splitting the opening games before Easton ran away with it 8-10, 9-5, 9-2, 9-1, putting Melbourn back ahead. But Cambridge were soon level again as Ian Blows (two) was unable to sustain a fightback from two games behind against Gordon Lamb, losing 6-9, 6-9, 9-3, 9-5, 0-9.

It was up to Mark Oppen (one) to secure the cup for his side, which he did with style, always looking in charge against Cyril Macq, winning 9-5, 9-6, 9-2.

The cup therefore remains in Melbourn’s possession by three wins to two.

Melbourn Squash Club is located on the grounds of Melbourn Village College, offering two well-maintained courts.

Members also enjoy preferential membership rates at the adjacent Melbourn Sports Centre. In addition to two Men’s and one Ladies’ team playing in county competitions, Melbourn SC has a thriving internal league featuring 50-plus players, providing opportunities for all standards, and also runs a well-attended club-night every second Sunday.

For more information please contact club chairman, Nick Sugden, on 01763 261064 or by email njsugden@aol.com.