How Did Pontefract Squash Regain Control In The Yorkshire Premier League?

It was a bit of a nervy time for fans of the Pontefract squash team. After sailing through the season unbeaten, the defending champions hit a bump in the road. But on 15 November 2025, they showed everyone exactly why they are at the top, putting on a masterclass in Sheffield. Following a shock defeat, they came back with a massive win against Hallamshire, grabbing back control of their destiny in the Yorkshire Premier League. It was a real statement, reminding everyone who the team to beat is this season.

A champion's wobble

Picture this. A team that seems unstoppable, winning every game, looking like they are going to coast through the whole season without a single loss. That was Pontefract. As the defending champions, all eyes were on them. Then, out of nowhere, a defeat. The loss against Doncaster the previous week was the first time they had tasted defeat all season and it sent a few shockwaves around the league. Had the champions lost their magic? Were they feeling the pressure? Questions were flying around.

A single defeat can do funny things to a team's confidence. Suddenly, the invincibility is gone. It gives other teams like the new second placed Dunnington a little bit of hope. Maybe, just maybe, the champs were not unbeatable after all. For Pontefract, the match against Hallamshire was not just another game. It was a test of character. It was their chance to prove the loss to Doncaster was a fluke and not the start of a slide. They needed to take back control and quickly.

Bouncing back with a bang

And they did exactly that. The team travelled to Sheffield to face Hallamshire and they did not just win, they completely dominated. The final score was a massive 20 to 1 triumph. In the world of league squash, that is not just a win, it is a demolition. It was the perfect answer to any doubters. This performance re established their authority and showed they were still very much the team at the top.

This huge win was not just about pride. It was about the points. The victory gave them a massive boost, extending their lead at the top of the Yorkshire Premier League table to 11 points. What makes this lead even more impressive is that their closest rivals, Dunnington, have played one more game. Pontefract have a comfortable cushion and a game in hand. That is a brilliant position to be in. The defending champions were not just back, they were back in complete control.

The players who sealed the deal

A big team triumph like this comes down to individual performances and every player for Pontefract stepped up. It started with Ben Beachill, who was making his very first appearance of the season. Talk about making an entrance. He absolutely crushed his opponent, Jack Cornell, setting a powerful tone for the rest of the evening. Having a fresh player come in and perform so well gives the whole squad a lift.

Next up was the team’s leader, the skipper Matt Godson. His match had a bit of drama. He actually lost the first game against Nick Wall Snr, which might have made a few Pontefract supporters nervous. But a good skipper leads by example. Matt Godson dug deep, turned the match around and ended up winning convincingly. He even finished with a bagel. For anyone who does not follow squash closely, a bagel is when you win a game 11 to 0. It is the ultimate way to stamp your authority on a match. A rare and brilliant finish from the skipper.

Here is how the key matches unfolded:

• Ben Beachill vs Jack Cornell: A crushing victory for Beachill in his season debut.
• Matt Godson vs Nick Wall Snr: The skipper recovered from a game down to secure the win, ending with a bagel.
• Frenchman Laouenan vs Adam Turner: A quick, efficient win that officially secured the night’s triumph for Pontefract.

Finishing the job in style

With the overall victory secured, you might think the remaining players would ease off. Not a chance. The job was only half done. Frenchman Laouenan had already guaranteed the win with a speedy success against the Hallamshire captain Adam Turner. But the team wanted to maximise their points.

That left two of the team’s stars to wrap things up. The in form Sam Todd, ranked 51st in the world, showed his class with another brisk victory. He has been a rock for Pontefract all season and this game was no exception. Then it was the turn of Scottish international Rory Stewart. Just like Sam Todd, the Scottish international made light work of his opponent, finishing the job with an equally fast win. It was a clinical end to a fantastic night for the team. This complete performance from the first game to the last is what makes them true champions.

What this means for the Yorkshire Premier League

So what does this all mean for the rest of the Yorkshire Premier League season? It means Pontefract are firmly back in the driver’s seat. The loss to Doncaster now looks like a minor blip rather than a major problem. By securing so many points against Hallamshire, they have rebuilt their fortress at the top of the table.

The 11 point lead over Dunnington is a significant gap. It gives Pontefract breathing room and puts immense pressure on every other team to be perfect in every single game they play. The fact that the defending champions have that extra game to play is a huge advantage. This spectacular triumph in Sheffield has sent a clear message to the rest of the league. The squash champions are not giving up their title without a serious fight. They have regained control and it will take something special to knock them off the top spot now.