BOTH Okehampton Squash teams enjoyed victories last week in the Devon Mixed Squash Leagues.

The first team, competing in division four, travelled to Exeter Golf and Country Club, while the seconds were away at Newton Abbott in division five.

Okehampton one fielded their full strength side against a team, which as the match progressed, became plagued with injuries. Playing at string five Paul Burrows had a close match, but his superior fitness and touch game meant he won 3-2. Phil Allin at four also had a close match to win 3-2. Phil Kemsley's opponent at string three had to pull out injured.

Arnie Searle at two played a tight line and length to win 3-0. His opponent was a dangerous player but never got an opportunity to dominate as Arnie's power game, and touch game combined together proved too much.

At string one Clive Marais struggled to keep pace with his opponent initially, but mounted a strong comeback in the third game. At this point his opponent pulled his hamstring so therefore had to retire injured. As a result the team returned a 20-6 point victory, which places them in second in the league – still in the promotion places but with a game in hand. If the firsts win this game in hand they will top the division, and secure the promotion to division three.

Okehampton two had a hard fought win at Newton Abbot five, winning 3-2.

Stuart Lord had a hard tussle at string five, losing the first two games but fighting back in the third to lose 1-3 while Shawn Jones won 3-0 at string four

The string three match involving Shane Vallance was an inconsistent affair. Shane went into a 2-0 lead and had several match points until his opponent came back to level the match. Eventually Shane won the deciding game.

When Chris Law went down 0-3 in his string two match it meant that Ed Bewes needed to win his match. Again, this went to the deciding game but, as he has done many times this season, Ed finished the match strongly to take his game and the whole match for the seconds.  This win cements the seconds position comfortably in mid table.

The club welcomes players of all abilities, with Wednesday being club night from 7PM. If anyone would like to play squash, or attend a club night session, then please contact club coach Clive Marais on 07825 701902.