The first came when Olly, 13, defeated his dad, Paul and the latest arrived recently when he won elevation to Division One open age status in the Kall-Kwik League.

recently Paul decided that Olly needed the challenge of first division action and saw him take a third string place for Harrogate Squash in their match against Ilkley.

Onlookers were startled by Olly's form as he won a five-game see-saw clash against Mark Armitage as Harrogate Squash won 3-0.

The gallery gave its approval as a 4-9 7-9 10-8 9-7 9-6 scoreline went in Olly's favour.

League secretary Dave Cockle said: "Olly played particularly well and won widespread approval. He is certainly a prospect for the future."

Olly's fightback to victory against Armitage was recorded in fine style and spectators expressed their delight at the display of the teenager, who was making his Division One debut.

So impressed were they they they penned a note to Cockle telling him how delighted they were with Olly's play for someone so young.

Olly, a pupil at Rossett School, Harrogate, was introduced to the sport by his dad and has been among the top juniors at his club for some time.

His game shows an encouraging technical skill amid some telling drop shots – some from the back of the court catching opponents unaware.

Olly has been coached to a high level by the country's national coach, David Pearson, who lives in Harrogate.

Last year success on court brought Olly the Yorkshire under-13 title and he has now moved on to be runner-up in the county's under-15 event.

PONTEFRACT rolled out their two big guns – James Willstrop and Lee Beachill – for the clash against Derbyshire side Duffield in Group A of the National Squash League.

But the plan misfired as the West Yorkshire side were edged out 3-2.

Despite the setback Pontefract are second in the table on 23 points, six behind Esporta Oxford.

Match details

Duffield 3 Pontefract 2. (Duffield names first): Nick Matthew beat James Willstrop 11-8 11-5 11-9; Joey Barrington beat Lee Beachill 11-8 9-11 11-8 11-4; Andy Whipp lost to Gaurav Ghosal 9-11 5-11 2-11; Joel Hinds beat Neil Cordell 11-6 12-10 11-9; Laura Hill lost to Vanessa Atkinson 11-5 4-11 5-11 4-11.

TWO West Yorkshire players turned tournament organisers won praise from England Squash officials for their expertise in running the latest North East Area Junior Championships, staged jointly at Pontefract and Chapel Allerton.

Kirsty McPhee (Pontefract) and Dave Hymas (Huddersfield) took charge of the event, winning praise for their off-court skills which ensured that the event was a success.