The men's final was won by experienced and loyal Pontefract campaigners Stuart Hargreaves and Simon Gittins, who overcame the challenge of the York duo Neil Cordell and Sam Burton.

The women's competition featured two professional players, Lauren Siddall and Deon Saffery, the former pairing with Andrea Santamaria to take the title from Saffery and young prospect Katie Campion.

In the mixed category, Saffery paired with boyfriend Sam Wileman to beat George Wileman and Maria Emmerson.

Neil, Lauren, Sam and Deon are all professional players and their willingness to support the event represents the kind of down-to-earth spirit that the game of squash, and the Pontefract club breeds.

Together with the professionals who offered to take part in the pro-am – where the eight highest bids from club players earned them a chance to partner a professional player in a separate event – they helped to boost the profile and raise more money.

The tournament involved pros mixing and competing with members, which without bragging, doesn't happen in too many sports or clubs.
Most of the country's sports stars are untouchable, and many people are impressed that the world's best squash players can actually be spoken to.

Terry Dudley, the legendary manager of the ladies team and tournament organiser extraordinaire ran proceedings, and three days of entertaining doubles ensued, culminating on Saturday evening with the auction, raffle and entertainment.

Among the prizes were signed Rhinos shirts, and dare I say it, a signed St Helens shirt, as well as a Leeds Festival poster signed by The Killers and Kaiser Chiefs.

We were very pleasantly surprised at how well supported the auction was, and this alone raised around £3,000.

Paul Moulton and John Taylor were major contributors to the auction and both played in the pro-am too.

Malcolm, David, Mick and myself couldn't have hoped for a better weekend.

It has exceeded our expectations and we would like to thank everybody who played, contributed and attended to help make the whole event such a great success.


Results
Men's event: Stuart Hargreaves and Simon Gittins bt Neil Cordell and Sam Burton 13-15 15-10 15-10.

Women's event: Lauren Siddall and Andrea Santamaria bt Deon Saffery and Katie Campion 15-10 15-11.

Mixed Event: Sam Wileman and Deon Saffery bt George Wileman and Maria Emmerson 15-9 11-15 15-9.

Plate winners – men: Christopher Emmerson and Nathan Bedford; women: Julie Nevins and Gill Choyce; mixed: Craig Mansfield and Andrea Santamaria.