BEN Welton squashed the competition at a racquet sport championships.

Kendal Squash Club held their annual tournament and Ben, last year's winner, retained his title after his opponent injured himself after winning his semi-final.

In the plate competition Alex Greenwood put up a good fight but could not overcome the experience of veteran Graham Braithwaite who kept the ball tight to frustrate his young opponent in three games.

Dave Archer was presented with the 2013-14 Team Player of the Year Award for the individual who has made the best all-round contribution to team squash.

Kendal got off to a dismal start in the first league matches of the 2014-15 season as all three teams crashed to defeat.

The A team hosted Appleby who hit the ground running with a 4-1 victory putting them in second place in the league.

Kendal’s honours went to Ben Welton who cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Michael Dowding.

Newcomer Adam Houlton made his Kendal debut at number two, and got off to a good start before succumbing to Martyn Awde in four games. At number three Alistair Pease also started well but after two tight games Appleby’s Alan Brockbank upped the pace to romp home in four.

Kendal B team travelled to Cockermouth where they suffered a similar fate.

Their star performer was Dave Archer who, playing at number three, won in three.

Owen Haines, Steve Couper and Mike Wharton all took one game but succumbed in four.

Ben Cook making his team debut at number two lost in straight games.

The C team hosted Wigton B and toed the line with another 4-1 defeat.

Ian garnett at number 5 took the honours winning 3-0.