After a mixed start to the season Tavistock Squash Club met Westcountry Squash with minimal expectations.
First was the fourth string match between Pete Middleton (Tavistock) and Mike Nuttal a seasoned campaigner for Westcountry. With Pete struggling to get to grips with the faster court Mike took the first game with relative ease. Pete got stuck in during the second game, playing some well timed shots to outwit his opponent 9-6. The third game was tighter with lengthy rallies but Mike came out on top 10-9. Mike seemed to tire a little in the forth and fifth games with Pete taking both to take the match 3-2.
Next up were the number 3 strings Martin (Newberry) against Stuart Cox for Tavistock. Martin played Stuart around the court during the first two games which he won 9-6. In the third Stuart got to grips with the court and played consistent drives to Martin's backhand which led to a number of mistakes from his opponent. Stuart took the third game 9-7. At the start of the fourth game Stuart took control to take an 8-1 lead, however , hetook his foot of the gas a little. His opponent pegged back to 8 All and took the game and the match 3-1.
The fifth string game between Adrian Bower and Graham Sluman (Westcountry) proved well-matched. Adrian got to grips with the fast court well and took a 2-0 lead. However, Graham started moving Adrian around a little and played some well disguised drops to take the next three games and therefore the match 3-2.
Next up was the Tavistock No2 and captain Tim Wallis against Martin Budden. Tim started in a relaxed mood, however as a result he lost the first two games 9-0 and 10-8. The next proved a different matter, with Tim's drop volleys coming into play, which he won 9-7. The pattern for the last two games was much the same with Tim becoming the outright winner at 3-2 and levelled the game ties 2-2.
It was all down to the number 1s to settle the result of the match between Andy Gauler (Tavistock) and Darren Critten. Andy took the first game with ease 9-6. During the second, Darren seemed to struggle with Andy's shots around the court and tried to play around Andy when he could have asked for a let. This led to an entertaining game but gave Andy the upper hand which he took advantage of to take the next two games to win the match 3-0. This meant Tavistock were overall winners 3-2.
Anyone interested in joining Tavistock Squash Club contact Malcolm Tripp on 01822 615239. To play or support the team contact Tim Wallis on 01822 616806.