OKEHAMPTON Squash Club's first team started the new season with a convincing win over Torquay Five, the second team however just lost in a tightly fought contest against Paignton. The first team picked up 18 points, only two off the maximum 20 available.

Dennis Edwards playing at five for the firsts, picked up a point, and showed signs of some excellent form, but was over-powered in the end losing 3-1.

Paul Burrows playing at four had an intriguing match, and worked very hard to deliver a 3-2 victory.

The match saw many long rallies with some high quality squash being played. Paul's superior fitness saw him come through stronger in the deciding game.

Poised at one match each, Phil Allin played a well constructed match at number three, winning 3-0.

Phil played consistently with good width and length in order to out play his opponent.

After an incredibly tight first game, which Phil just took 17-16; he applied more pressure with tight shots that his opponent just could not respond to.

With this victory, if Phil Kemsley playing at two could win his match, the team would win the fixture. After loosing the first game 15-14, Phil came back to take the match 3-1.

Although struggling, he did enough to take the closely fought match and secure victory.

To round the evening off, Clive Marais at number one had a convincing 3-1 victory.

Although dropping a game, Clive came through with some accurate hitting proving too much for his opponent, walking away with it in the fourth game 15-4. Okehampton therefore won the fixture 4-1, equating in points to 18-7.

The second team travelled to Paignton for their first game of the season.

Unfortunately, they came away with a narrow loss — losing three matches to two.

Dave Harding started well at string five, taking the first game with some deft touches.

However, his opponent came back and took the further three games. Both Shane Vallance and Shawn Jones lost their opening games but both came back strongly to win their respective matches 3-1.

Chris Law at string two played in a good quality match and although he lost 3-0, all games were close with both players playing a tight line.

Ed Bewes went down at string one, losing 3-1. Ed played an opponent who he has faced many times over the years and this time was on the wrong side of what was a fairly even match.

Okehampton first team have two away fixtures now — September 24 at Exeter Golf and Country Club, and October 1 at Sidmouth.

Their next home match is Monday October 12 against Plymouth University 1.

Anyone interested in playing squash should call club coach Clive Marais on 07825 701902.