Tavistock Squash v Torquay

RETURNING after the Christmas break Peter Middleton proved the value of practice with an uncharacteristic loss, picking up just one game to lose 3-9, 9-3, 4-9, 4-9 to an opponent who plays five or six times a week.

Meanwhile in the fourth string match Stuart Cox proved to himself and his doubters that he can win against class opponents. He took the opening two games 9-4, 9-7 before Mike?s style and accuracy brought him back to level pegging. In the fifth game Stuart re-asserted himself to win 9-3.

With Colin Grice arriving late again Rik was left to warm up on his own ? the extended warm had no positive effects as Colin cruised to an easy 9-2, 9-6, 9-5 victory at number 3.

Tim Wallis started well to lead the first game 8-3 before Val started to prove that women can play exceedingly good squash - through a combination of gamesmanship and guile Val fought back to take the first game 10-9.

Tim held his nerve in the second to level 9-7 before going down 5-9, 1-9 to level the match at two-all.

With all to play for at number 1 the

relatively youthful Andy Gauler took on former county player Bob. Having taken the match to five games at Torquay in the first half of the season Andy was optimistic but the slow courts of Tavistock suited the visitors? more accurate game.

Andy was thoroughly outmanoeuvred and lost 4-9, 7-9, 1-9 in a game where rallies were few and far between.

With their youngest team player at 37, Tavistock desperately need younger players to add some sparkle to the team. Any budding squash players can log onto http://www.tavistocksquashclub.co.uk">www.tavistocksquashclub.co.uk