With a hiatus of 4 seasons, the ON squash team captured their fifth Londonderry cup title in dramatic style beating old rivals Millfield 4-1 in the final last Friday at the world famous RAC club in Pall Mall. In the end a comfortable win for the ONs who now go into 5 place in the all-time record edging above both Eton and Harrow.

However, the final was not all plain sailing with the ONs going down 1-0 with Ian Cox (86-92) at no.1 and Stuart Cowie (84-92) battling out a tight match at no.4. Stuart was 1-0 down and had to save a game point in the second to draw level. Then a demonstration of quintessential racket work saw Stuart win the 3rd comfortably and saw him ease to 8-5 match point in the forth. At the time, a crucial moment in the dual, the Millfield no.4 played some remarkable shots and took the forth putting the match into a fifth and final game. With a calm head on his shoulders and with years of experience to call on, Stuart placed the ball with precision to edge out the eventual winner.

Whilst no newcomer to the competition, it was his debut appearance in the final, and ON Mark Thomas (86-95) made no mistake by chalking up a 3-0 win over an ex-international. Testament goes to Mark for all his years of participating in previous years.

With the ONs 2-1 up, it was down to the captain, Marcus Cowie (86-95) to seal the fate for the team. In a determined and focus manner, Marcus saw off the hopeful Millfield captain in straight sets bringing to crown back to Norfolk. The victory was made even sweeter when ON Matthew Bolt (95-02) crushed his opponent at No.3 making the celebrations begin straight away.

The presentation and celebrations took place in the prestigious Long Bar and saw ex Norwich School teachers Tony Yarham and Paul Moore in attendance as well as Rachel Lightfoot enjoying the continued success of the ON squash team. Mention should also go to Tim Allenden (93-96) for his contribution in the early rounds as the ONs saw off Harrow and Lancing College in the quarter and semi-finals respectively.