Tavistock 3

Exonians 2

TAVISTOCK got the new squash season off to a winning start.

Mike Gray, playing at number five, was paired against Chris Baird. Mike took the first couple of games 9-6, 9-6 and was in a commanding position in the third, before the Exonian man raised his game to sneak the game 9-7.

Chris maintained the momentum and took the next to level the match. Mike, who has worked hard on his game, kept his cool and kept playing the percentage game. Chris, who was starting to tire, kept on going for the big shots. Mike's strategy paid dividends as he took the deciding game 9-2.

Adrian Bower made his return to the team at number four after an injury-stricken year. Adrian has worked hard at his fitness and this proved the telling factor in a long-drawn-out battle.

Adrian lost the first game 9-4, but during the second he hit some fine drives which started bearing fruit. The Tavistock man ran out a worthy winner by taking the next three games 9-3. 9-6, 9-7.

At number three, Exonians struck back with Chris Ralph beating Stuart Cox by three games to one. Stuart edged the first game 9-6 against an opponent who looked as though his ranking should have been a notch or two higher.

During the second game the Exonian man started playing some fine squash, interweaving his boasts and cross courts. Chris took the next three games 9-5, 9-5, 9-5.

Colin Grice, playing at number two, played ex-Devon county player Zoe Wellicome. Zoe was easily beaten by the Tavistock veteran. Colin's pace and power won the rubber 9-7, 9-2, 9-2.

Tavistock had already won the match when the two number ones stepped onto court. Andy Gauler from Tavistock was paired against former Welsh International David Hughes. This in many respects was a masterclass lesson for the Tavistock man.

David outmanoeuvred showing a fine array of skills and although Andy chased hard, he was beaten 9-6. 9-6. 9-6.

This was a good start for Tavistock against tough opposition. This week they travel to Newton Abbot.

Anyone interested in playing squash at whatever level please contact Malcolm Tripp on 01822 615239 or Andy Gauler on 01822 617714.