THE Okehampton mixed tennis team hosted Newton Poppleford for their opening home match of the season.

Elizabeth Ryder and Charlie Jaynes had a very close first set against the second pairing but eventually lost 5-7. This gave the opposition a boost of confidence and they took the second set 6-2. Newton Poppleford`s first pair were too experienced for the home team and won comfortably by 6 games to 2.

Kath Bolt and John Jarvis had too much fire-power for their opponents and won the opening set 6-2 and soon built up a 5-2 lead in the second. However, Newton began to take the pace off the ball and reduced the deficit to 5-4. Despite some nervy moments Kath and John saw the match through 6-4. They were far too strong for the opposition second pairing and beat them 6-0, 6-0 to secure a 4-4 draw overall.

The Okehampton Ladies Tennis Team travelled to Bovey Tracey for their third match of the season. Mother and daughter, Jackie Jarvis and Becca, took a while to find their form and despite playing some good tennis lost in straight sets 3-6, 1-6. In their second match they got to grips with the faster pace and took the first set 6-4. The opposition fought back and they eventually won 6 -3. In the tie break Jackie and Becca played some excellent shots and found themselves leading, however a few errors enabled the opposition to win 11-9.

Kath Bolt enjoyed playing with Beth Dennis, her partner from last season. They initially struggled in their first match and lost 1-6, 2-6. They embarked on their second match with greater determination and although they lost the first game 4-6, they won the second 6-2 and then with confidence soaring clinched the tie break 10-6.

Okehampton gained three valuable points from this fixture.