TAVISTOCK squash team found the going hard at home to a strong team put out by Westcountry, a Plympton-based club with an enviably large membership.

Tavistock's defeat 4-1 went somewhat against the form in view of a comfortable win at Westcountry in the first half of the season and the fact that Tavistock lies several places higher in the league.

First on court for Tavistock Pete Walshe played his usual fluent style but just failed to pressurise his opponent sufficiently at the end of each game and went down 3-0, the score not being reflective of the closeness of the match.

In his first season as skipper Stuart Cox levelled the match taking a comfortable 3-0 win against Steve Mackay of Westcountry, Stuart's superior fitness over Steve being the telling factor in what turned out to be the team's only win of the night.

Next on court Tim Wallis, playing at number three, took an early lead over Tony Brown of Westcountry, but Tony rallied with some hard hitting, accurate play to take the match 3-1.

At 2-1 down it was left to Colin Grice of Tavistock to keep the team in with a chance. Characteristically he drove a skilful Rick May of Westcountry to a fifth game decider but just failed to take his match. In compensation Colin's match had been an excellent display of quality squash to a packed gallery.

At number one Andy Gauler found himself pitted against a skilful and seasoned campaigner in Guy Philpotts of Westcountry.

Andy struggled to find his usual form and put Guy under any pressure, going down 3-0 in double quick time.

Anyone wishing to play squash at the club in Tavistock should contact Malcolm Tripp on Tavistock 615239.