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A champion feat
Patrick Rooney (in the blue t-shirt) pictured with fellow national champions Georgina Kennedy, Victoria Temple-Murray and Declan James
A YOUNG squash player from St Helens has been crowned national champion.
Patrick Rooney, of Islands Brow, claimed the under 15 Junior Squash Championships title earlier this month following a dramatic comeback victory against the top seed.
The youngster, who claimed the U13 title two years ago, did not drop a game on his way to the final against number one seed James Peach, of Yorkshire.
But, in a memorable match at Surrey Sports Park, Patrick found himself a game and 4-1 down before staging an astonishing comeback.
With little to separate the competition’s two standout players, the first game went to a tie-break, with Peach eventually taking it 12-10.
And when Peach opened up a 4-1 lead in the second game, it looked as if the match was only going to go one way.
But Rooney fought back to win the next eight points before levelling the match.
Peach took the lead again, taking the third game 11-9, but Rooney ensured that the match went the distance by claiming the fourth game 11-7.
Rooney came out strong in the deciding game, opening up a 4-0 lead, and never let his lead slip - getting to a match ball at 10-9.
Despite Peach saving one match ball, Rooney stood firm to claim the fifth set 12-10 to be crowned the new English U15 junior squash champion.
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Weather for St Helens
Saturday 25 May 2013
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