Premier Squash League title for Duffield

Benz-Bavarian Duffield have clinched the 2006 Premier Squash League title in a dramatic final at the National Squash Centre in Manchester .

Laurence Delasaux gave Duffield an early lead in the final and Tania Bailey from Stamford in Lincolnshire, who became British National champion for the first time earlier in the year, beat Vicky Botwright to open up a 2/0 lead for the Derbyshire club.

Churchill Edgbaston Priory staged a mighty fight back to draw level, but to the delight of the vociferous East Midlands supporters, Duffield claimed the PSL trophy for the first time since 1998 when team No1 Nick Matthew beat Stewart Boswell in the decider.

Duffield's manager Brian Hargrave clasped the trophy for the second time since 1998, following the club's third appearance in the final, and said:

"There's been a tremendous team spirit this season and our supporters have been simply fantastic – in fact they've probably contributed towards a good few points tonight. But ultimately it's the players who do it on court – and I'm very proud of them tonight."

Felix Friloux of team sponsors Benz-Bavarian said: "For a small village like Duffield in Derbyshire to produce a team like this is great – it will undoubtedly inspire more kids to get involved, and that's what it's all about."

England Squash