Devon Squash League div 3

Tavistock v Paignton

HOPES were high for the second game of the season against Paignton for Tavistock in Division 3 league following a good away win last week against Newton Abbot.

The glory of last week was swiftly put to bed by Keith Broom the number 5 string for Paignton playing against an up and coming Richard Baxter of Tavistock who took the first game 9-2 with little resistance.

Richard came out in the second game all guns blazing to take a 4 point lead. Keith fought his way back to 3-4 before a string of points were Richard commanded the court to give himself game point at 8-3. Keith clawed his way back to 6-8 before 2 errors cost him the game and level the match 1 all. Richard lost concentration in the 3rd game and lost it 9-0, from which he struggled to recover, loosing the 4th 9-4 and hence the match 3 games to 1.

Mike Gary from Tavistock seemed a little in awe of opponent Dave Hill?s hard hitting and as a result lost concentration. Dave took the first game 9-1. The second game was a different affair with Mike gaining confidence from a number of mistakes from his opponent, however Dave took the second 9-5. Although Mike put up a gallant effort in the 3rd game his opponent?s strong backhand always had Mike on the backfoot, however this is only to be expected as Dave had played Division 1 squash.

Although the first game between Stuart Cox for Tavistock against Bob Chapman of Paington was relatively tight a number of mistakes by Stuart gifted his opponent the game 9-4. In the second game Stuart was able to penalise Bob?s weaker backhand and took the game 9-2. Complacency set in with Stuart in the 3rd game allowing Bob to take a 7-0 lead. Stuart persisted and clawed his way back to 6-7 before conceeding handout.

Stuart won it straight back and took the next 3 points and the game 9-7. After the 3rd game Stuart struggled to pressurise his opponent and as a result lost the next 2 games and the match 3-2. This guaranteed Paignton the win over Tavi in the match.

Next up at number 2 for Tavistock was Colin Grice against Bob Coates. Colin, although putting up a gallant effort, lost the match 6-9, 4-9, 5-9.

Finally it was up to Andy Gauler to rescue some pride and points for Tavistock against a fancied Andy Mitchell. After a number of exchanges in the first game A Mitchell took the first game 10-8. Andy Gauler responded in the second to take it 10-8 with some intimidating squash. Andy for Tavi seemed to have the measure of his opponent in the 3rd game and took it 9-3 to lead 2 games to 1. Andy Mitchell of Paignton responded in the fourth to level the match at 2 games all. The fifth game was nip and tuck with Andy Mitchell of Paignton taking the game and ensuring a clean sweep for Paignton.

Anyone interested in joining Tavistock Squash Club please contact Malcolm Tripp on 01822 615239; or Playing in/supporting Devon League team squash contact Andy Gauler on 01822 617714.