Sqsh: Aussies lose squash final - again amid animosity

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Sqsh: Aussies lose squash final - again amid animosity

MANCHESTER, Aug 4 AAP/PA - Australia's Stewart Boswell and Anthony Ricketts have wonsilver in the men's doubles squash at the Commonwealth Games, beaten 15-11, 15-12 by England'sLee Beachill and Peter Nicol.

It was a closely fought battle which the England duo, winning the first squash goldof the Games for their country, only took control of in the later stages.

There were rarely more than two points between the teams, but England had four matchballs at 14-10 in the second game only for the Australians to save the first two.

But then Ricketts mis-timed a return and the ball dropped to the floor, prompting exuberantcelebrations from Nicol and Beachill.

Beachill insisted the match had been played in better spirit than yesterday's semi-finalagainst the other Australians, David Palmer and Paul Price, which ended with the teamshaving to be separated.

"There was a bit of rivalry but nothing malicious," said the 24-year-old. "What wassaid and done was taken out of context."

But Ricketts, who constantly opened the door of the court to question decisions madeby referee Chas Evans, claimed it was not all sweetness and light.

"I think you could tell there was a bit of animosity out there," said Ricketts. "Ithink it's a good thing in sport and it's always like that between England and Australia.

But this game didn't go to push and shove."

Earlier, New Zealand's Leilani Rorani and Glen Wilson won the mixed doubles title witha 15-11 15-9 success against Beng Hee Ong and Nicol David of Malaysia.

AAP/PA sp

KEYWORD: GAMES SQSH AUST