Herts County Squash
Commonwealth Games

England are in contention for two more Commonwealth squash golds after the doubles semi-finals in Melbourne.

In the men's event, Lee Beachill and Peter Nicol beat Australia's David Palmer and Dan Jenson 5-9 9-4 9-6 9-4.

In the mixed doubles, Vicky Botwright and James Willstrop beat New Zealand's Shelley Kitchen and Glen Wilson 3-9 6-9 13-11 9-3 9-3 to reach the final.

But Botwright and Tania Bailey lost in the women's doubles semis to Natalie and Rachael Grinham 5-9 9-3 9-3 9-6.

Peter Nicol's guide to squash

Nicol, 32, has already claimed the men's singles crown in what could be his final major championships.

He and Beachill, who duo won in Manchester four years ago, battled back from a game down to win their semi-final.

We're going to get the bronze medal, no matter what happens we're not going to lose   Vicky Botwright

"It was a bit of a barrage to start with," said Nicol, "but after that we played exceptionally well."

The England duo now face Australian top seeds Stuart Boswell and Anthony Ricketts after they beat New Zealand's Campbell Grayson and Martin Knight 9-6 11-9 11-9.

Botwright admitted the Grinham sisters had simply been too strong for her and Bailey in the women's doubles.

They now play off for bronze against Shelley Kitchen and Tamsyn Leevey.

Botwright pledged: "We're going to get the bronze medal, no matter what happens we're not going to lose."

She will at least have a chance for revenge against one of the Grinham sisters in the mixed doubles final.

Nicol is ranked seventh in the world

Peter Nicol closed in on his third successive Commonwealth Games squash title by beating England team-mate Nick Matthew 3-9 9-5 9-4 9-5 in the semis.

"There were two or three decisions Matthew wasn't happy with. They were crucial points and that's what made the difference," admitted Nicol.

The 32-year old will be aiming to win gold against Australian David Palmer who beat England's Lee Beachill.

"The hat-trick means everything to me at the moment," Nicol added.

Earlier in the quarters, Matthew had beaten England doubles partner James Willstrop, while Nicol saw off Canada's Graham Ryding.

Scotland's John White lost to Palmer, while Beachill beat another Australian, Stewart Boswell.

There was little good news for the home nations in the women's competition with four players bowing out at the quarter-final stage.

Tania Bailey was beaten 9-6 10-9 9-3 by Malaysia's Nicol David while Vicky Botwright lost 10-8, 9-5, 9-1 to Shelley Kitchen of New Zealand.

Linda Elriani's challenge ended with a 1-9, 9-5, 9-5, 9-3 loss to Rachael Grinham of Australia while Northern Ireland's Madeline Perry lost 9-1 9-7 4-9 9-3 to Rachael's sister Natalie.

World champion David was later upset in the semi-finals, losing 10-9 7-9 9-4 6-9 3-9 to Natalie Grinham.

Grinham now faces older sister Rachael in the final after she put out New Zealand's Shelley Kitchen 10-8 9-4 9-2.