A PACKED gallery at the Malvern Squash Club were treated to three excellent matches as the Club Closed Championships were fought out.

Last year's plate winner Rob Hayward was simply too fit for the very experienced Dave Bailey, who was already tired having had to play his semi-final match in the morning of the finals night.

Dave contributed equally to an excellent match before simply running out of steam allowing Rob to win by the rather flattering margin of 9-4, 9-8, 9-6 It surely will not be long before Rob is challenging for the major prize.

The third and fourth play off match was a re-run of last year, but this time the placings were reversed, with Tony Charity just edging out an exhausted George Leeds 5-9, 9-4, 9-2, 5-9, 9-0, after a very exciting match played in the most sporting manner.

Last year's championship winner Rob Davies duly made the final as the seedings predicted, but this time found himself up against a rejuvenated and six times former champion in Nigel Long.

Both players set off at a furious pace and their speed around court was matched by their technical ability. Both of these players are hugely experienced and they were well matched before Nigel began to dominate the T and put Rob on the back foot.

Rob raised his game and played several delightful shots, but Nigel was not to be denied and he began to take the ball earlier and earlier thus putting Rob under more and more pressure.

Again Rob responded but Nigel in this mood is a match for almost any local squash player and was not to be denied, winning the match and a record breaking seventh club championship 9-4, 9-5, 9-2.

Nigel was presented with his record breaking, and very popular, seventh club championship by his wife Shirley to a standing ovation.

Malvern Squash Club is open to new members and prides itself on being a very friendly club providing good squash facilities at an economic price.

Further details are available from Club Membership Secretary Hugh Webber on 01886 832817.