OKEHAMPTON Squash Club’s first team continued their excellent run of form to put themselves in a great position for a chance of promotion from division three of the Devon Mixed League.

The team enjoyed a comprehensive win against Devon and Exeter sixth team, winning 5-0. Dan Yeoman at string 5 played a tight game, using his serve well to win 3-0. Simon Ramsay played with good intensity against his old club to win 3-1. Phil Allin at string 3 was comfortable in his match, winning 3-0 and Phil Kemsley at string 2 played an accurate game to also see off his opponent 3-0. Arnie Searle at string 1 finished his match winning 3-1. Despite some powerful hitting from his opponent Arnie was able to take the pace off and add variation to his game to eventually come out on top.  This 20-2 victory consolidated the team’s position on top of the league, with one crunch match away to second placed Sidmouth to come in a couple of weeks time. The team need to win to guarantee promotion.

In comparison, the second team in division four continue to languish at the bottom of the table after an defeat away to Exeter University fourth team. However, the team put in a competitive performance and pushed their young opponents hard in most matches.

Barrie Sharpe met a strong opponent at string 5, eventually losing 3-0. Dave Harwood battled hard, eventually running out of legs and losing 3-1. Stuart Lord played well but again lost out in a number tight games. At string 2 Shane Vallance showed good form and had consistent length and width in his game to beat his opponent 3-0. In the string 1 match Shawn Jones competed well but eventually the fitness and mobility of his younger opponent won out, winning 3-1. The second team lost 17-5 but were competitive against their younger opponents.