BOTH Okehampton squash teams started the new season with good home wins. Okehampton firsts beat Tiverton one, while the seconds beat University four.

For the firsts Dan Yeoman at string 5 won 3-1, using his short game to good effect. Justin Gliddon making his debit at string four also won 3-1 in a close encounter which saw some great rallies - using all corners of the court.

Simon Ramsay at three lost 0-3 while at string two Phil Allin won a long close match consisting of some superb rallies 3-2. This match win meant the tie was now won. Phil Kemsley at string one lost 1-3, despite a strong start, and after loosing a really close and crucial second game he could not maintain the early pressure applied. So a 3-2 win, and a 15-10 point victory (the winning side gets a bonus five points) - is a great start to the season.

The seconds were given a strong start by Jack Barkwell playing at string four who played some powerful squash with excellent depth to win 3-0 against a potentially tricky opponent.

Although Pete Twort lost 1-3 at string five, a further 3-0 win was quickly added by Chris Elphick at string three. Both Chris and Jack bringing some good power and movement around the court in the middle of the team and both showing strong form.

At string two Shane Vallance fought back from one game down to win 3-1, and Shawn Jones also prevailed by the same scoreline at string one - a good start to the season by Shawn, particularly as he has been suffering with injuries coming into the match. This was an excellent 18-5 victory start to the season for the seconds against much younger opponents.