TAVISTOCK squash team were without their captain, Tim Wallis, but managed to beat Newton Abbot 3-2 in a close and exciting match.
Pete Walshe played at Number 4 against a clever and skilled opponent, who started well, with plenty of hard backhand shots, but was let down by too many unforced errors. Pete, playing the best he has this season, capitalised on the mistakes and upped the pace, to gain an impressive 3-0 victory.
John Betts, Tavistock's Number 2, was making heavy weather out of his game with Brian Avery who has played Devon League squash for a long time and used his experience to confuse and frustrate John. John stuck to his task and, using a range of tight drop shots and low boasts, managed to beat Brian 3-2.
With Tavistock two games up, Stuart Cox took to the court against Mike Wells. Stuart began by feeding too many easy shots which were dispatched with relish. After strong team talk from Pete Walshe, Stuart used his superior backhand shots, driving the ball tight against the wall and Mike had to scramble hard and made plenty of errors. Once Stuart got his nose in front, there was no stopping him and he romped home to a 3-1 victory, clinching the match for Tavistock.
Number 1 player, Andy Gauler, came up against a skilled 18-year-old, Fraiser White. Andy has always relied on his superior fitness to wear down his opposition, but against a younger man, found the going tough. Andy's shots were not as tight as they should have been and his usual short game of drops and low cross court boasts did not work, because Fraiser was quick to pick them up. His youthful opponent kept Andy from finding his rhythm and Andy lost 3-1.
As a late substitute, Paul Grey came in to play Number 5 against Peter Aston, who recently joined Newton Abbot 3 and is a strongly improving player. Paul worked hard and there were some exciting and lengthy rallies, but Peter's shots were too tight and Paul went down fighting valiantly.
The 3-2 victory for Tavistock Squash team keeps the team in the top half of the league and it is hoped the team captain will soon return and make a real contribution to the next match against Paignton 3 on Wednesday March 6.
l FIRST up for Tavistock Squash Club in their recent match against Exmouth was Adrian Bower.
The knowledge of the pacey Exmouth courts proved to be the key factor. Adrian ran his usual determined marathon but came away beaten 3-0.
Next up, Stuart Cox, similarly ran well and looked to be in a good position at one game each. However, his opponent rallied and won the decisive third game. This match saw lengthy rallies. In the end the Exmouth player's persistent accurate driving game saw off Stuart in the final game, 9-3.
At No 3 was the first appearance of the year for Tim Wallis. It took him the first game to acclimatise to the faster courts but he clinched the second game 10-9. From there his good touch and effective finishing helped him complete a good performance 9-6 and 9-2.
The second string match, involving Tavistock's John Betts, was a close affair, two points being the difference in all three games, 9-7, 10-8 and 9-7.
John struggled to find his range in the first couple of games, leaving it late in both before coming from behind to beat his opponent. The final game saw him take a commanding lead before his opponent rallied only for John to hold on for the win.
Andy Gauler at No 1 met a player of similar nature. Both retrieved well and the match was played at an electric pace. Generally, play was even but Andy put too many vital balls in the tin while his opponent made few unforced errors. In the end his opponent's extra reach and consistency was too much for Andy on the night, the final score: 9-4, 9-5 and 9-6.
Anyone interested in joining Tavistock Squash Club can contact Malcom Tripp on 01822 615239. Or playing/supporting the team contact Tim Wallis on 01822 616806.