Ellie has a birthday ball

The new season was launched on a high tonight as Ellie Williamson celebrated her 18th birthday a couple of hours early by winning the Kevin Lenton Handicap tournament.

The youngster came out on top of a group of 23 competitors to beat Trevor Page in the final by approximately 20 points, having been awarded a 15 point handicap. In the plate meanwhile, Sam Cooper held on to beat Jason Green to the title of plate winner.

An awards ceremony took place in the bar after the final, where the players received their trophies. Thanks are due to tournament organisers Dick Carrington and Phil Wright, as well as Paul Smith behind the bar and all of the officials.

In closing, Phil said: "Not many of you any more will have known Kevin (Lenton), but he was one of those people that played squash for enjoyment, and he always played with a smile on his face. Hopefully that passed on to everybody who took part this weekend."

Ellie was then presented with a birthday cake, which those present were only too happy to consume along with some complimentary champagne!