SQUASH: A harsh introduction was in store for Ipswich's new National Super League squash team when they came up against holders and championship favourites Maesteg at Ipswich Sports Club this week.

A HARSH introduction was in store for Ipswich's new National Super League squash team when they came up against holders and championship favourites Maesteg at Ipswich Sports Club this week.

The Welsh line-up included Essex star Del Harris who remains in the top 20 and two world ranked Aussies, David Palmer and John White.

After a night of superb squash, the visitors emerged 3-0 winners but the home team's gutsy performance showed promise of a bright future for squash in the county.

Bradley Ball, Suffolk's number one and world ranked 59, said: "We always knew it was going to be tough. They are tremendous players."

At second string, Ball lost 3-0 to White, a Queenslander who represents Scotland internationally through his father's place of birth and ranked more than 50 places above him in the world.

It was a great contrast from the first match between the number threes, Ben Howell, world 98, against Harris from Dedham who gave him nearly ten years.

The first two games were very close, each player winning one. Then Harris took the third on the tie-break and the fourth to clinch their match.

The final contest was between rising English star John Russell, from Kent, representing Ipswich and world number two Palmer, the British Open and Hong Kong Open winner.

The first two games were close in terms of the score but the Aussie was relentless in the third to clinch it.

Frank Stone of sponsorts BTexact said: "We are committed to excellence in business and are happy to support the local team. BTexact technologies are committed to encouraging local sport.

"It was really interesting to see such quality of play. You can't imagine it. The fact we are associated with it has helped bring it into the area."

Ipswich team manager Dave Howell was pleased with the quality of their first home match and will be looking for a win next Monday against Winchester.

Scores: John Russell lost to David Palmer 7/9, 5/9, 1/9, Bradley Ball lost to John White 7/9, 6/9, 4/9, Ben Howell lost to Del Harris 6/9, 9/4, 8/10, 2/9.