Tavistock v Paignton
TAVISTOCK Squash Club made the trip to Torbay to take on a new look Paignton.
At number five Tavistock?s Mike Gray took on Paignton?s Chris Blacker. Mike won the first two games and was cruising in the third before taking his foot off the accelerator. Chris seized his chance and took control, winning the third 9-6 and the fourth 10-9.
The deciding fifth could have gone either way, but it was Mike who kept his cool to take the match 9-5, 9-4, 6-9, 9-10, 9-7.
Stuart Cox was paired against Paignton number four Mike Rogers. Stuart played a lot of loose shots, which sat up for punishment on the hot courts. Mike won the rubber by three games to one, 9-4, 9-4, 5-9, 9-0.
Colin Grice at number three put Tavistock ahead again, winning three games to nil. Colin was at his
aggressive best and bullied the Paignton number three Roger Campbell into submission.
Tavistock skipper Andy Gauler, playing at number two, outclassed his opponent from start to finish. The fast courts suited Andy?s speed and fitness. Andy won by three games to nil, 9-1, 9-0, 9-7 This victory also secured the team?s win.
Steve Tripp, playing at number one for Tavistock, was matched against Richard Hussey. The two players provided the contest of the evening, with the outcome in the balance until the final game.
Steve started the decider slowly. Richard grabbed his chance and won the match by three games to two 9-7. 5-9. 8-9. 9-9, 9-3.
This win extends Tavistock?s fine run, which has seen only one defeat this far.
Anyone interested in playing squash at whatever level contact Malcolm Tripp on 01822 615239 or Andy Gauler on 01822 617714.
University Staff v Tavistock
TAVISTOCK?s travels away also saw them take on the Plymouth University staff. With a few injuries in the team, they had to rely on Devon League team players to strengthen the side.
First on court was Tavistock?s Pete Walshe. He went behind quickly in the first game, but pulled back and looked the favourite. However, his opponent battled hard and won the game 9-7. Pete was unable to take his form in the next game and was beaten 9-4 in the next two games.
On the next court, Pete Middleton was involved in an epic battle. He lost the first game and struggled to get going in the second. Pete really put the pressure on his opponent in the third game, moving him to all four corners of the court. He nudged ahead, winning 9-7.
With all to pay for in the fourth game he dug deep and having faced a number of match points against him took the game 10-9.
With both players tiring, the fifth game was just as close with Pete running out the winner 9-6.
With the match poised at one tie each, Stuart Cox went on court. Some disappointing squash in the first two games saw him go behind. He got back to basics in the third and although he faced match points against him eventually won the game 10-9.
An equally hard fourth game saw Stuart face match points against him again, but he drew level, taking the game 10-9.
At this stage, both players were feeling the pressure but Stuart showed nerves of steel to win the match in the fifth game.
With Tavistock 2-1 up in ties, Andy Gauler faced a tough young stylish opponent with a good range of shots. Steve won the first two games with ease. Andy went back on court and showed great determination to take the third 9-3. He went on to dominate the fourth and soon found himself 8-2 up with some punishing drives.
However, lack of concentration saw his opponent claw his way back to 8-8, to win the match 10-8 and level the overall score to 2-2.
Steve Tripp at number one went on court knowing anything less than a win would not be good enough. Steve won the first game 9-6. Neil tightened in the second and took it 9-5. The balance then swung Steve?s way again as he nudged ahead at 2-1.
Steve, looking tired in the fourth game, lost his way slightly and soon found himself at two games each.
At 7-7 in the fifth,the match could have gone either way and at 8-7 down determination got Steve back to 8-8. He eventually won 10-8 and gave Tavistock the much deserved victory.