Okehampton Squash Club are hoping to make it two promotions in two seasons, by gaining one of the two available promotion positions in the Devon Mixed Squash League, division two.

Last season the team won promotion from division three after finishing runners-up to Plymouth University. The team lost only three out of 18 matches. All four regular players were in the top eight players within the division, with Clive Marais only losing one match, and Arnie Searle, Phil Kemsley and Phil Allin losing three matches throughout the season. The team was also unfortunate last year to lose in the Devon Shield Plate final (a knockout cup style competition)‚ again losing out to Plymouth University.

This current season got off to a rocky start in September, with the team losing its first three matches against Paignton, Newton Abbot and Exmouth. With their injured players Clive Marais and Arnie Searle then returning to the side, the team has gone on to win the next seven matches. This has included emphatic victories against Torquay, Exeter University, Devon and Exeter, and Dartington. On this run of victories the team has also beaten their rivals from last season Plymouth University. Phil Allin and Arnie Searle are currently third and fourth respectively in this seasons' player statistics, with Arnie having won all eight matches he has played in.

The team is third in the league, and feel confident they can push on in the second half of the season. Hopefully by April, they will secure one of the promotion places in the league, and earn the right to compete in division one. The team has also just beaten Culm Valley to progress to the Devon Shield semi-final.

Okehampton Squash Club is located within the college grounds, and is always keen to welcome new members. Whatever your age, or experience, squash is a great and fun way to keep fit.

The club has a level two qualified coach, an in house league competition, junior programmes available and a regular club night on Wednesday evenings for members to play. The club is investing in the facilities at the club, with a new heating and ventilation system being installed.

n If you would like to play squash, please contact Sue on [email protected]">[email protected] or Clive on 07825 701902 or email [email protected]">[email protected]