IT Sports Wigginton's unbeaten run in the Yorkshire Premier Squash League came to an abrupt end as they crashed 4-1 away to arch-rivals Pontefract.

Their first defeat of the season still leaves them 20 points clear at the top of the table going into the Christmas break.

Pontefract fielded their strongest possible side with world number one Lee Beachill heading their line-up.

Wigginton player-manager Ian Tooms was first on court and was soundly beaten 3-0 by Craig Smith, then captain Matt Lowery lost his 100 per cent winning record when going down 3-1 to South African Shaun Lereux.

Wigginton's professionals were next up and at number three Hadrian Stiff was disappointing in losing 3-1 to Ireland's Derek Ryan.

Paul Hargrave then played the talented James Willstrop and, with the game quite tight, Willstrop conceded due to ill-health, despite leading 2-1 at the time, giving IT Sports their only point.

Wiggy's French import, Renan Levinge, then took on Beachill and, while taking a game off the world number one, lost 3-1.

Wigginton now have an eight-week break before resuming their season against Harrogate in January.

Updated: 10:15 Saturday, November 27, 2004