IT has been a productive and successful season for Manor Park Squash Club as the 2023 campaign comes to a close.

Manor Park has run two sides in this year's Worcestershire Squash League, with both teams playing in Division Two.

Jez Clarke has led the first team whilst veteran Pete Mortimer took charge of the seconds in what would be a challenging campaign for the 2s in particular.

A season of rebuild was the aim for the firsts, but they have exceeded expectations by gaining promotion into Division One for next season after just two defeats in their 16 matches so far.

With 14 wins, they are currently on 351 points, well clear of second-placed Redditch and the rest of the division.

A consistent squad of players has helped this plight with Clarke playing in 15 of these, fixtures losing just twice. Other strong performances have come in the form of Richard Montague Fuller, who was unbeaten at number-one seed until injury halted his charge half-way through the year.

The seconds have expectedly been challenged, especially at the top of the order, but have fulfilled all fixtures thanks to a deep squad and have returned two wins; vs Pershore and most impressively against a strong Barnt Green side which kept them off the bottom of the table with two games to play. 

During this time the club has seen an influx of new players who have come to join the fantastic facilities at Albert Road North and the social squash has flourished as much as the league teams. 

Manor Park have also benefitted from the appointment of a fantastic new Coach in Welsh Professional Greg Tippings. Tippings, who has represented Wales at The Commonwealth Games, has breathed new life and a professional attitude into the club, which has had a hugely positive impact.

Tippings is hosting the first Malvern Classic competition on Saturday (March 18) which will see players from all over the country compete in three graded categories. Following this competition later this month, a number of players are travelling to St Albans to take in another graded competition which will round off a very competitive and successful season.

With the aim of fielding three league sides next season, the club is going from strength to strength but they still urge anyone who wants to get involved to get in touch via the website.