TAVISTOCK Squash Club's most recent outing proved to be a tough but rewarding trip to newly promoted Kingsbridge.

The result, a tight 3-2 victory, was particularly rewarding as earlier results suggested Kingsbridge would be a difficult team to beat.

First to play were fourth and fifth string players. Mike Gray, playing at five for Tavistock, faced Paul Carpenter who had a tall, long-limbed physique. What followed was a tough, close match that went to Mike, 3-1.

Adrian Bower, at no 4, was keen to maintain his 100% winning record. His match against Kingsbridge's Malcolm Squire lasted more than an hour. At 2-1 to Adrian it looked as though it would go no further than the fourth game, but he lost his way and suffered an ankle injury, At 2-2 it was going the way of the home side. The Kingsbidge supporters grew in confidence, but Adrian concealed his injury, fighting back heroically in the fifth game to win 9-5 and the match 3-2.

The easiest match was Stuart Cox's. He stormed through 9-1, 9-0, 9-4; probably becoming a little sloppy in the third game, allowing his opponent, Mark Chapman, to chalk up four points.

The match between the veteran second string Tavistock player, Colin Grice, and Darrel Day appeared to have a history to it which added spice to the evening. Despite a run of wins against Mr Day, Colin has never actually enjoyed these matches, and this was no different - Colin lost, 3-0.

By the time the number ones took to the stage the tie was won. Tavistock's Andy Gauler met a fine opponent in Antony Jones, who won the match 3-1.

It seems the Tavistock team is going to be hard to beat this season, and with Steve Tripp shortly returning to number one slot, it will add strength and depth.

l TAVISTOCK travelled to Newton Abbot for their second match of the season.

Playing a strengthened Newton Abbot third team on their notoriously warm courts was always going to be a demanding evening.

Mike Gray at 5 has worked hard to improve his game. This improvement was much in evidence throughout the match which Mike came close to winning as the scores in the first two games indicate (lost 7-9 9-7 7-9 9-6).

Continuing his good start to the season Adrian Bower used the first game to warm up. He quickly found a good line and length which his opponent could not match. Adrian's fitness and speed around the court ensured the outcome was never in doubt. (won 3-9 9-7 9-1 9-4).

Stuart Cox had a long and absorbing match at number 3. Having taken the first game comfortably he found it difficult to produce a

winning shot. His opponent made the most of Stuart's errors at the front of the court and although he worked hard to take the fourth game he could not sustain that pressure and lost the fifth game and therefore the match. (lost 9-2 3-9 4-9 9-5 4-9).

Lacking in match practice Colin Grice still managed to produce a comfortable win against an old adversary. His opponent's preferred game of deft touch was not allowed to prevail. Colin's running and varied game produced a 3-1 win. (won 9-5 7-9 9-7 9-5).

Number 1 Andy Gauler made a slow start, losing the first game to a determined player who kept the ball wide and made him work hard. Once into his stride Andy won the next two games after some long rallies but could not maintain this improvement and succumbed to some excellent retrieving by his opponent. (lost 5-9 10-8 9-4 7-9 3-9).

Tavistock lost by 2 games to 3 but a close fought and enjoyable evening was had by all.