WEST Hants ladies are back on top of the Dorset squash world after an absence of six years.

The squash players from the tennis club won a double header for the county Knockout Cup and their last league match of the season which brought them the cup and league double.

The league championship was still in the balance when West Hants faced second-placed David Lloyd, Bournemouth who retained a slim chance of retaining the title they have held since 1999 if they could win by a handsome margin.

But the girls from Roslin Road continued the form they have shown all season to win the match and take the title by 26 points and the Knockout Cup.

Playing at home, the tennis club took an early lead with victories by Michelle Bray and captain Anna Hunt over Sandra Simmonds and Dot Chadwick though Chadwick could feel unlucky not to have snatched a point as she lost 9-7, 10-9, 10-8.

West Hants put the match beyond reach with victory by 16-year-old Alex Boeg who was too quick and sure for Debbie Stent.

With the match already lost, newly-crowned county champion Vicky Simmonds grabbed a consolation victory for her team when she beat Karla Ewins.

West Hants completed their success with a devastating display from top seed Anna Broomfield who beat Chrissie Stainton for the loss of just two points.

The ladies second division was won by Two Riversmeet with Nicky Bleese, Mandy Ayton, Laura Gooch, Phillipa Barnes, Sylvia Cornick and Val Smith completing the season with 175 points, 17 ahead of nearest rivals South Dorset A.

The Christchurch side are on course to win the double when they play the final of the Division Two Knockout Cup against Dorchester who they have already beaten twice this season.

Dorset SRA have requested that all league and cup trophies be returned to Andy Parish at South Dorset Squash Club as soon as possible and before the county annual meeting and presentation night which will be held at West Hants club on Wednesday May 29 (7pm).

The 2002 Bournemouth Junior Squash Open, sponsored by State Securities and The Waugh Group, will be held at David Lloyd Bournemouth from June 7 to 9.

This England Squash-sanctioned event has already attracted entries from Cornwall, Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Yorkshire.

The closing date for entries into the boys and girls under 13, 15, 17 and 19 events is Friday, May 24. Further details from Martin Wells on (01202) 394333.

Dorset Ladies League roll of honour: West Hants (Division One winners), David Lloyd Bournemouth (Division One runners-up), Two Riversmeet (Division Two winners), South Dorset A (Division Two runners-up), West Hants (Division One Cup winners), David Lloyd Bournemouth (Division One Cup runners-up).