R3: Pontefract v Bristol

Pontefract take advantage of Bristol

Malcolm Willstrop reports

A below strength Bristol put up stern resistance against Pontefract in front of a capacity crowd.

James Peach resisted strongly against Evan Williams,as did Sam Ellis against Taminder Gata-Aura, the Pontefract players prevailing 3-1.

World no.2 Laura Massaro against the talented Tesni Evans promised and Massaro won 3-1,but not before Evans had given her and the referee plenty to think about.

Surprise of the evening was Patrick Rooney‘s failure to convert a 2-0 lead into a win, though Sean Conroy deserves much credit for his recovery.

The evening ended with James Willstrop and Brian Byrne providing some spectacular rallies and entertainment, much to the delight of the crowd.

Lee Beachill and James Willstrop offered coaching sessions which were quickly taken up, payment for which will go to Sumner Malik and they raised the best part of £500.

Pontefract 4-1 UWE/Elite Squash Bristol (19-6)

James Willstrop 3-0 Brian Byrne                         11-6, 11-6, 11-7
Evan Williams 3-1 James Peach              14-12, 11-3, 14-16, 11-6
Patrick Rooney 2-3 Sean Conroy        11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 10-12, 6-11
Taminder Gata-Aura 3-1 Sam Ellis             7-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7
Laura Massaro 3-1 Tesni Evans                11-6, 12-10, 9-11, 11-9