BOLTON based squash professional Julian Tomlinson started the season eyeing up a dream double – but will now begin a rescue mission.
The 19-year-old launched a two pronged attack on two separate squash team titles and has enjoyed mixed fortunes.
Tomlinson joined East Lancs and Heaton this season – hoping to clinch both the North West Counties League Division One title AND the Yorkshire crown.
East Lancs became the first team in the area to win the highly-competitive division last season and manager Danny Massaro believes they can repeat their triumph this season.
Laura Massaro, the world number two and British champion, will be the team’s high profile player while former captain Nigel Willis has stepped down from regular action – although he has played in two of the four opening matches.
Bradley Smith from Chorley, ranked in the national top 10 at under 17s, again plays for the defending champions while Daniel Turner offers some experience.
Tomlinson moved to East Lancs from Wigan whilst young Isaac Rawcliffe, who also has a top 10 ranking at under 14s, has been drafted in to the first team.
East Lancs won their opening three games against Saints, Alderley Edge and Warrington, lost against Bowden before returning to winning ways against Xaverian 1, Liverpool and Wigan.
Massaro knows the team will have to dig deep with his wife Laura lined up to play matches all over the world.
He said: “Laura won’t be able to play all of the matches because of her commitments on the tour and also playing for Duffield. But we are fortunate that we have someone of Nigel’s ability and experience to stand-in when he is needed.
“There have been a few changes but I still think we could challenge for the title again. Last season we got to the latter stages and we were still in with a shout so we decided to give it a go and went on and won it.
“We surprised a few teams and there is no reason why we can’t surprise a few more this season.”
Whilst East Lancs season remains on track Tomlinson has suffered mixed fortunes with Heaton in the Yorkshire Premier League.
The Bradford based side have struggled for results and find themselves rooted at the foot of the table with just two victories so far this season.
He said: “Heaton are a fantastic club, the courts are fantastic and they are a great bunch of lads and I am sure we can turn it around.
“I have just turned professional and believe playing at a higher level in the Premier Division will push me on as a player and I guess when the going gets tough you learn more about yourself as a player.
“Heaton have enjoyed fantastic success in the past and I hope I can play a small part in helping them to move out of the drop zone and into a position of safety.”
Tomlinson has been appointed squash professional at the David Lloyd club in Bolton and coaches around the North West.
If you are interested in learning more email: JulianTomlinson@onsidepr.com