LAURA Massaro says they are ‘exciting times’ ahead for Lancashire Squash after the recent success of the county junior teams at

national level.

The former world champion and world number one is now the Lancashire Junior Squash head coach after retiring last year following a glittering career.

And the 36-year-old said she was proud to see Lancashire pick up two titles at the Junior Inter County Championships finals in Nottingham – victories that included several players from the east of the county.

In the girls under 13s final, Lancashire proved to be too strong for Sussex as they ran out 3-0 winners with Chorley’s Charlie McCrone playing her part in the success.

The girls under 19s final was a lot closer as they edged a 2-1 win over Buckinghamshire.

The Lancashire team included Kara Lawrenson, who is based out of David Lloyd Chorley, and fellow Runshaw College student Rachael Proctor.

Kara was also a part of the Lancashire senior team – captained by Massaro and also including Lauren Bayliss and Chloe Harrison, two more David Lloyd Chorley players.

Lancashire competed in the first round of seniors and are now waiting to see if they have won through to the final play-off.

“I am really proud to be part of the Lancashire Junior set-up,” said Massaro. “It made sense for me to captain the seniors with two of the juniors representing the senior team.

“Everyone performed at their best for the seniors and they were really tested by the other counties.

“It was a fantastic experience for the whole team. I am confident we will continue to grow in the senior championships as our juniors progress. From a junior perspective, for two of our teams to win on a national level really boosts the moral and confidence of the county.

“Future goals are to be more successful on a senior level and try to get the boys teams into some play-off positions over the next couple of seasons.

“Exciting times ahead within Lancashire squash.”