TAVISTOCK Company Leagues Squash team had battled through to the semi-final of the Company League Plate Competition. Having defeated the Garden team from Torpoint in the quarter finals, Tavistock came up against a Company League first team, Dynamicon. They knew they would have to play exceptionally well to progress further in the plate competition and would get a taster of playing a first league team. First up and playing in Number 5 position, Pete Walshe battled with Pete Hamblin, a hard-hitting and accurate opponent. Pete Walshe came back strongly in the second game, but was not able to respond to the range of deep, tight shots and despite valiant efforts, lost his match 0-3. Next, at Number 4 position, was Mike Gray against seasoned campaigner, Brian Morgan. At 2 games each, Mike looked to be in with a chance of taking the match, but Brian clung on and using a variety of drop shots and clever boasts, defeated Mike 2-3. In Number 3 position, Will Crosby, a steadying influence on the team, came up against the organiser of the company leagues, Keith Lintell and started very strongly. Keith could not match the accuracy of Will?s drop shots and very tight returns, and found himself struggling after the first two games. Will won the third game and took the match 3-0. Playing in Number 2 spot, Pete Middleton played against Wes Cullen, a ranked county player, and found the going very hard. Pete went down fighting 0-3. Playing at Number 1 position, Steve Tripp has been an inspirational captain for the team during the season and led by example. He was up against Jim Morgan, an ex-county player who has an excellent range of powerful shots. Undaunted, Steve stuck to his task and managed to take the second game. Jim came back with renewed energy and with a series of exciting and scintillating rallies, overpowered Steve 1-3. So Tavistock was knocked out of the Plate Competition, but has managed to perform well throughout the season, coming second in the Company League Second Division. This will mean that Tavistock will be promoted to the First division of the Company Leagues next season, where very stiff competition awaits.
