TAVISTOCK and Okehampton Squash Clubs played their annual match for the West Devon Squash Trophy June 1.

This competition sees both clubs matching a first and second team to play each other on the same evening at each other’s clubs. The competition is aimed at creating closer ties and encouraging people in both communities to take an interest in the game and consider getting involved.

This year the first teams played at Okehampton with the home team being represented by Phil Kemsley, Justin Gliddon, Dan Yeoman, Shawn Jones and David Ashall, with Steve Tripp, Will Westlake, Stuart Cox, Nigel Eadie and Tom Honey playing for Tavistock.

As usual there was never a huge amount in it, with both teams playing plenty of good squash. This year it was Tavistock who proved the stronger team, winning this part of the tie 4-1.

The second teams played at Tavistock with the home team being represented by Ian Smart, Phil Honey, Simon Powell, Robin Burdfield and Simon Tucker with Chris Elphick, Shane Vallance, Yan Whitechurch, Mark Crowhurst and Sue Stanbury playing for Okehampton. There was plenty of close action again in this part of the tie, but Tavistock proved too strong and also won this tie 4-1, meaning Tavistock won the event 8-2 to retain the trophy for another year. As with previous years, all matches were played in a good spirit and were followed by a meal and a well-earned drink at each other’s clubs.

Both clubs were missing some key players, but the additional strength in numbers at Tavistock gave then a real advantage this year.

Both clubs have good quality courts, play in regional leagues, and offer a good opportunity to play the game at a high level, and squash remains a great way of keeping fit.