OKEHAMPTON Squash Club faced Dartington seconds this week, in a Devon Mixed Squash League division two fixture.  After beating fellow title contenders Exmouth last week, Okehampton were aiming to maintain their winning run of ten games, to push for promotion into division one.

Dartington's number five Darren Hodge was up against Oke's Richard Clarke.  Although Hodge won the second game, Clark rallied to win 3-1 after some frenetic rallies.  At number four Tim Coulton made several errors against a younger and fitter opponent in Okehampton's Phil Allin. Coulton relied heavily on his long striding trademark backhands down the side wall but Allin was able to play accurate drops to the front leaving Coulton stranded at the back. Phil Allin won 3-1.  Next up was number three Sam Balsdon who was involved in a lengthy tussle with Oke's Phil Kemsley.  In the end the hard hitting Kemsley shaded it by winning the fifth set 15-10 after some accurate forehand drives down the side wall. 

At number two Dartington's Simon Mitchell was up against Arnie Searle who has not lost a match all season.  Searle was always in command and despite his muscular frame, Searle played delicate drops as well as sledgehammer drives and this combination won him the match 3-0.

The final match saw number one Martin Billis play Oke's Clive Marais where a tough battle ensued with Billis powering the ball to the back corners.  However, Marais had a deadly short game and unforced errors did not help Billis' cause. With Marais's ability to play straight forehand drives from deep within the back right of the court wrong footed Billis on many occasions and it was the Oke number one who triumphed 3-1. 

This convincing 5-0 victory for Okehampton meant a maximum 20 points. The push for promotion continues. This week Okehampton face Devon and Exeter six.