​BENZ-BAVARIAN Duffield could have done no more in their quest to reach the Premier Squash League play-offs, according to manager Felix Frixou.

Duffield lost their winner-takes-all final Group A match at home to Oxford, who edged to a 3-2 victory.

That was enough for Oxford to finish top of the table, one point ahead of Nottingham, who qualified despite going down 4-1 to reigning champions Chapel Allerton.

Duffield were cheered on by a capacity crowd and the omens looked good when Laura Hill beat Katherine Quarterman 11-8, 11-4, 11-3 and world number two Nick Matthew saw off Chris Ryder 11-8, 11-8, 13-11.

But after Dutchman Piedro Schweertman twice came from behind to pip 19-year-old Chris Fuller 12-10 in the fifth, Eindhoven-based Dylan Bennett – making his first appearance of the season – beat Andy Whipp 11-9, 11-4, 11-9 in the tie decider.

Duffield were missing Joel Hinds, Steve Coppinger and Tania Bailey, although Oxford were without their top man, world number 14 Cameron Pilley, and women’s world number seven Madeline Perry.

“It was disappointing but, in fairness, we had done well to be in a position to compete for a play-off place after the way the season had gone with injuries and people being away at tournaments,” said Frixou.

“It was more passion and heart that got us that far than anything else.

“I don’t think we could have done any more.

“I felt we maximised every single situation and got the best out of every player.

“I just felt that if we had got through, we would have gone on to win it, because we would have had our full squad available, but it wasn’t meant to be.

“I had written young Chris Fuller off as a 3-0 defeat but he fought his heart out and very nearly won in the end, losing 12-10 in the fifth.

“In the end, it came down to one or two points.

“In some ways, to come so close almost makes it more disappointing – but we have seen what he can do and it bodes very well for the future.”

It is the first time Oxford have made the play-offs and they will now face Group B runners-up St George’s Hill, while Nottingham take on Surrey Health & Racquets.

Oxford team manager Jason Martin said: I don’t think we’ve beaten Duffield in about seven attempts, so to go to Derbyshire and beat them in their own back yard was very special.”

Frixou, meanwhile, backed Oxford to now go all the way.

“I think it will be Oxford v Nottingham in the final and, if Oxford have their full side out, I think they will edge it 3-2,” he said.

As for Duffield, they are already planning for next season and hope to bring world number 21 Jonathan Kemp back to the club.

Kemp (pictured below) has been playing for Exeter Diamonds, who finished third in Group B, this season.

“We need a good number two and we’re in talks with Jonathan, who played for Duffield a few years ago,” said Frixou.

“He loves the club and is going from strength to strength at the moment.

“If we get him, he could slot in at number two, and it’s looking quite good at the moment.”

Frixou will also be raising the issue of losing key players for league fixtures this season with England Squash.

He said: “I have been a bit disappointed with England Squash. They are meant to arrange tournaments so they don’t clash with PSL fixtures but we feel we have been a bit unlucky in that respect this season.

“We will be raising the issue with them.

“If we’d had our full squad available for every match, it would have been a very different story.”