THE Okehampton 1 squash side, despite showing early-season promise, have dropped into mid-table in Division 2. So it was vital to show more promise against competition front runners Westcountry 3. Robert Barkwell (No 5) was first up, and had been playing well for Oke in recent weeks. His efforts were hampered when he pulled a back muscle, but he fought on. His opponent saw the weakness, and his stylish drives had the impaired Rob flailing. A first match loss, 0-3. Steve Yeo (No 4) hadn?t had a great season to date through injury - but tenacity and pure courage got him close to victory. Steve?s recovery shots were frustrating for his opponent who took the lead, but then repeatedly saw his lead clawed back as Steve fought with his running game. Despite fine efforts, Steve went down in 3 close games, 0-3. Donald Rooke the long-time stalwart of Oke Squash was next up. Donald was hitting the ball as hard and straight as ever, but a niggling fore-arm injury hampered him. Don tried but could not live with the consistency of his opponent. Again a 0-3 loss. With all looking lost, the star performer for Okehampton came to the court ? Arnie Searle (No 2) has been hitting his straps this season with an aggressive and fast game that has scared all comers. This was no exception ? his opponent could not live with Arnie?s speed and aggression and Oke won back some pride with a great 3-0 victory. With the overall match already lost, but vital points to play for, Jon Sampson (No1) came to the court to play a notorious touch player. The game started well for Okehampton with Jon taking a 5-0 lead in the first game ? only for this to be overhauled with an incredible display of drop shots from his opponent that won the game. With renewed vigour Jon again burst to a 5-0 lead only to see it clawed back, but this time Jon wouldn?t be beaten and served hard to his opponent?s body to nullify his touch game. The same tactic proved effective in the 3rd and 4th games and Oke won 3-1. A story of so near, yet so far for Oke as they lost 3 matches to 2. But the green shoots of a spring recovery are there for all to see, and with 2 matches this week, Okehampton are set fair to rebuild their season.
