Walton-on-Thames squash pro Tom Richards has backed St George’s Hill Squash Club to clinch a maiden Premier Squash League crown next week, writes Stuart Amos.

The club host Coolhurst in the semi-finals on May 5 for the right to face Duffield in the final two days later at Hunts County Squash Club in Cambridgeshire.

St George’s have reached the final on two previous occasions, but never lifted the trophy and Richards, currently ranked 30th in the world, reckons the stars are aligned in their favour in 2015.

“The semi-final is in the balance, but I think on paper we are probably the favourites,” he said.

“In my first few years here we got to the semi-finals twice. We’ve always done OK, but have never won it so hopefully we can change that.”

Richards, who has won six of his seven matches in the PSL this year, is winding down his season ahead of the summer break with only the British Open and the Hong Kong FC International remaining later this month.

And the Weybridge resident is pleased to finally have an injury free campaign under his belt.

“Two years ago I had a serious hamstring injury that put me out for six months and last year a calf problem put me out of four or five tournaments, which is a big chunk of the season,” he added.

“I’ve got a few wins this year and a good run of fitness, so I feel like I’m getting back to somewhere near where I was before.”

St George’s Hill’s squad also features Kingston’s Charles Sharpes and former Britsh U19 champion Joe Lee, whose father Danny is team boss.