A BIG week this week for Okehampton Squash, as the number 1 side played two matches to catch up on some fixture congestion. These are must win games for Okehampton 1 who are in danger of relegation, but great form as they see the return of some injured and estranged players. On Tuesday night, Okehampton beat Exeter Golf & Country Club 4, with a great display of fighting spirit. A good win from Robert Barkwell No 5) kicked off the night ? Rob playing a great hard-hitting game to claim a good 3-0 win. Next, Steve Yeo (No 4) was unfortunate to lose 3-0 to his opponent, after playing and running hard to keep in the fight. Donald Rooke, with a recovering right arm, then had the win of the night ? from 2-1 down to battle out a 3-2 win, with a skilful display. Okehampton then had their most reliable player, Arnie Searle (No 2) to thank for their next win, as he cruised home with a dominant performance, to easily beat his opponent 3-0. Then Jon Sampson (No 1) sealed a 4-1 win for Okehampton with a strong display of determination against Tom, who had formerly been Devon U18 champion. Fortunately Tom was not as fit at 21 as he was at 17, and Jon battled him too hard, for a 3-1 win. On Friday night, Okehampton tried to repeat the feat against Paignton 1, and have a double victory week to secure their place in Div 2. But sadly they would come up just short. After a tight first game, Jon (No 1) won at a canter, 3-1. Next up was Chris Law (No 5) who lost 3-0 without being able to get into his normally competitive and energetic game. With the match tied up, Donald Rooke (No 3) who has been showing a real return to form came on, but unfortunately hit a few too many errors, losing 3-1. Next was Arnie Searle (No 2) who played the best match of the night. Arnie used his fast paced game and determination to rally his opponent into submission for a great 3-0 win. At 2-2 in matches, it all went down to the last match ? and Steve Yeo (No 4) was up. But despite great chasing, it was a 3-0 loss and a close overall loss for Okehampton, 2-3.
