YORK fought back from being 2-0 down to edge home 3-2 against IT Sports Wigginton in the opening Yorkshire Squash League Premier Division match of the season at Clifton Park.

Wigginton, who brought in Kent player John Russell, an England top 20 player in place of Duncan Walsh, who is playing in Barcelona this week, looked to be on the way to victory to mark their debut in the top division, when sponsor Ian Tooms and Russell won their matches.

But York number four Jamie Hopwood then defeated Matthew Lowery after being two games down. Paul Spencer just get the better of Czech player Martin Dzua 17-15 in the fifth after being down two games to one.

All then rested on the top string match where Adam Toes was a convincing winner against Paul Hargrave, who had a hernia operation six weeks ago and was not fully match fit.

Scores (York names first): Adam Toes bt Paul Hargrave 15-13 15-5 15-8; Mark Blowers lost to John Russell 15-10 7-15 9-15 12-15; Paul Spencer bt Martin Dzua 13-15 15-12 5-15 15-14 17-15; Jamie Hopwood bt Matthew Lowery 13-15 14-15 15-76 15-9 15-13; George Bannister lost to Ian Tooms 13-15 12-15 12-15.

Updated: 11:28 Saturday, September 15, 2001