TAVISTOCK and Okehampton Squash and Racketball Clubs have introduced a new annual squash match between the two clubs to encourage closer ties. The clubs are also hoping to try and create more interest in the games in West Devon, particularly from potential young players. Squash ranks as the 10th most played sport in the country along with its related sport of racketball, with nearly a quarter of a million people playing the games. Britain currently has the world squash champions for both the men's game in Nick Matthews and the women's game in Laura Massaro. The West Devon Squash Trophy had its first match on April 24. The format was changed from a normal team match so that two teams from each club played each other at the same time, one at each clubs courts. The winner was to be the club whose combined results were the best. In the end the event proved very close. The first teams played at Tavistock with Okehampton represented by Alan Searle, Phil Kemsley, Phil Allin, Dan Yeoman and Mark Gibbs. Tavistock were represented by Steve Tripp, Dave Tyas, Stuart Cox, Nigel Eadie and Andy Howell. The home side struggled to keep up with the Okehampton team and although Andy Howell beat Mark Gibbs 3-1, Nigel Eadie lost 0-3 to Dan Yeoman, Stuart Cox lost a tight match against Phil Allin 2-3, Dave Tyas lost 0-3 to Phil Kemsley and Steve Tripp lost 1-3 to Alan Searle. With a 4-1 win it was advantage Okehampton. The second teams played at Okehampton with Tavistock represented by Colin Grice, Luke Wakley, Simon Powell, Tom Honey and Patrick Powell. Okehampton were represented by Shane Vallance, Stuart Lord, Dave Harwood, Sue Stanbury and Matthew Jackson. This match proved a reversal of fortunes and Tavistock came out the stronger with Matt losing 0-3 to Patrick, Sue losing 1-3 to Tom, Dave losing a close match 2-3 to Simon and Shane losing 1-3 to Colin. Stuart gave Okehampton the match win they needed winning 3-0 against Luke, but this match ended with Tavistock winning 4-1. With the matches tied at five all, there was a count back on the total number of games won with Okehampton coming out on top winning 21-18. It proved an enjoyable and friendly match between the two clubs in West Devon and it is hoped the new trophy will be played for, for many years to come. If you would like to have a go the sport contact Okehampton Squash and Racketball Club via their web site at http://www.okesquash.org">www.okesquash.org or call Sue Stanbury on 01837 52104 or Tavistock Squash Racketball Club via at http://tavisquash.org">http://tavisquash.org or call Simon Powell on 01822 617718.