TAVISTOCK Squash Club travelled to Exeter for a match against Exonians, having lost a close home game last September 3-2.
Mike Gray, number 5 for Tavistock, found himself against a 12 year old boy ? but this young man is Great Britain?s No 2 in the U12 rankings. Ben?s game already contains power, deception and anticipation. Although Mike worked hard young Ben won comfortably 3-0.
The fourth string game was the closest Tavistock came to winning a match. Stuart Cox came back to square 2-2 only to lose in the fifth game. The result could have gone either way until the last rally but it did not go to Stuart.
Youth then returned to the court to represent Exonians again, in the third string match. Colin Grice found himself up against a 15-year-old. Colin lost the first game and did not get going until halfway through the second. He came back strongly only to let the second game slip at the last.
Colin continued with the tactic of low hard drives, winning the third game. Chris quickly took the lead in the fourth and continued on to win the match.
Andy Gauler found himself against an experienced older player who once represented Wales. Try, as Andy did, he found it difficult to keep the ball away from his opponent who had the ability to deliver unretrievable drop shots from most areas of the court.
Despite winning handout many times, Andy?s serves were quickly dispatched to the front wall an inch above the tin. He lost 0-3.
Steve Tripp, Tavistock No 1, playing against a 16-year-old, produced some of his best squash this season.
Despite excellent retrieving by Steve his opponent continually put the ball beyond his reach to take most of the well fought rallies. The final match provided excellent viewing, the whole of which was played in a good sportsmanlike way.
Exonians are a strong team and likely to gain promotion next season.
Tavistock has two squash teams, one in the Devon League and one in the Plymouth Companies League and new members are welcome at any standard. Contact Malcolm Tripp for further information on 615439.