Ilkley Grammar School's Under-19 boys' squash team played in the last 32 of the National Schools Squash Championship.

Ilkley will play four schools from the North of England in the group stage of the competition. Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club have kindly agreed to host the team's home matches.

Their first match, against West Houghton High School Bolton, was a close fought affair which Ilkley lost narrowly by 3 matches to 2.

One girl is allowed in the Under-19 boys' team and this enabled Ilkley to field Lexi Panteli as their No1. She played Yip Lee in a match between two of the fittest squash players in the competition. Lee's greater strength enabled him to dominate a hard-fought match and he went on to win 3-0, a scoreline that didn't do justice to Lexi's tremendous efforts.

Michael Bullock, chosen at 3, against David Softley, played above himself against a high quality opponent but went down fighting in a tight match in which the West Houghton player just had the edge. The 3-0 scoreline once more flattered Ilkley's opponents.

Ilkley were 2-0 down but came back fighting.

Playing at 4, former Yorkshire No 1, 13 year-old Simon Panteli, returned from a two year retirement from squash to dominate his match against 18 year-old Robert Drath from start to finish. His length and control were immaculate and his volley kills destructive. A slight loss of concentration led to the loss of the third game but otherwise he cruised to a 3-1 win.

Sven Bates, playing at 5, began loosely against Mathew Prescot, dropping the first game 9-2. From then on, his determination, hard running and guts gave him the edge as he won a tight match 3-1.

At two games all, the pressure was on Richard Harmer, playing at 2 against Anthony Johnston. He dropped an edgy first game but rallied to play magnificently and take a 2-1 lead. His opponent raised his game in turn and Richard was unable to find a response to the inspired play of the West Houghton player and lost 3-2.

A wonderful debut match for Ilkley in which the players stepped up in class to national level with calm assurance. All the players showed courage and determination. With more match practice results will improve. The strength in depth of the squad was highlighted by the friendly matches played by Ilkley's reserves. Playing at Nos 6 and 7, Tom Broscombe and Alex Walsh each had comfortable wins against their opponents.

The schoo's next match will be against Woodhouse Grove who are likely to be every bit as skilled as West Houghton.