IRENA Critchley, Dorset's top junior player, travelled to Northern Ireland where she recorded some notable victories and won the plate competition in the Irish Junior Open, writes Karen Chubb.

The fifteen-year-old, who attends Talbot Heath School and is ranked seventh in England in the under-17s age group, was sponsored by Verwood company Car Crash Line who paid for her flights.

Playing in Belfast, she found herself competing against older and more experienced girls in the competition, which was for under-19s.

In the first round the local girl faced the top seed Chantal Moros-Pitarch from Spain.

After a slow start, losing the first two games, Critchley gradually made an impact on her illustrious opponent taking the third 9-1 and then narrowly losing the fourth 10-8 after a very even tussle.

The Spanish girl went onto lose in the final to Rachel McLeod from New Zealand.

After beating a local girl in the first round of the plate competition, the Talbot Heathen faced 18-year-old Joanna Scrivens who is ranked 19th in England at under-19 level. Critchley recovered from losing the opening game to take the next three for the loss of just four points.

In the final, the local star faced second seed Gemma Davies who has a senior ranking of 22 in Wales. Davies had been knocked out of the main competition by the New Zealander who went onto win. Looking confidant and assured Critchley powered past Davies to take the cup 9-3, 10-9, 9-4.

Talking to the Daily Echo, Critchley said: "I have always suffered from nerves in these big events, this time I was far calmer and in control. They were some good wins."

The results are likely to move the Bournemouth girl up the under -17 rankings and into the Under-19 table for the first time. She is hoping to play in the British Open in the spring and to embark on European competition during next year.

Bournemouth Sports Club, based at Hurn, will be starting the next leg of their Monday evening squash leagues on January 3. There are six games in seven weeks and all courts are pre-booked.

Closing date for entries is Wednesday, December 29. For further details contact Roy Widdowson on 01202 518333