THE finals of the York and District Squash championships in Wigginton were a true family affair.

Siblings Kathryn and Neil Cordell were both in action last night, but while Kathryn triumphed over number three seed Andrea Mayne to take the ladies' title, her younger brother's brave fight against last year's victor Matt Lowery in the men's event eventually proved in vain.

In the women's match, 18-year-old Cordell dominated the opening game, out-playing Mayne on every shot.

Her commanding performance extended into the second game, and she won both comfortably 9-1.

Only in the third game did Cordell's effortless mastery of her opponent begin to falter, as Mayne found more answers from the back of the court to nearly level the match at 7-6 down.

But just as Mayne was beginning to gain control, Cordell re-found her game and slid to victory with a final score of 9-1, 9-1, 9-6.

Her 15-year-old brother and fellow Joseph Rowntree School pupil Neil gave a heroic performance in his first game against 28-year-old Lowery - the number one seed and defending champion.

The pair battled every point with some lengthy rallies, Cordell eventually clinching things at 9-7 - Lowery's first dropped game in these championships since the 2003 finals.

But Lowery's experience then began to show over his IT Sports Wigginton team-mate and he dominated the following three games over a rapidly tiring Cordell, eventually winning 7-9, 9-2, 9-0, 9-0.

Playing tribute to his opponent after the spirited showdown, Lowery said: "He's got a lot stronger. But it's nice to retain the title."

Malton 2nds player Ruth Bielby beat Alison Elder to take the women's plate 9-3, 9-5, 9-1, while Ben Riley defeated 13-year-old Tom Pepper to win the men's plate 9-5, 9-6, 9-3.

Updated: 10:38 Saturday, February 19, 2005