IT was a mixed start to the season for Okehampton and District Tennis Club with a full programme of competitive matches last week.

The men's A team started their season in Exeter and East Devon league three with a tough game away to Tipton St John. Stuart Jarvis and Scott Green got off to a slow start, losing the first match 0-6, 4-6 but got stronger in the second match, narrowly losing 7-5, 4-6, 7-10.

Okehampton's second paring of Paul Love and Sam Whalley fared better, narrowly losing the first 2-6, 6-4, 10-12 but won the second 3-6, 6-4, 10-5. This led to an opening loss against promotion rivals but did result in the club picking up four valuable points in an away fixture.

The men`s B team began their 2015 season in division eight with a home fixture against Kingsteignton E. Martin Pearce made his debut for the club and soon established a promising partnership with John Jarvis. In an error strewn first match they played the more consistent tennis to beat the opponents' first pairing 6-3, 6-3. They then had a comfortable 6-2, 6-0 victory over the second pair. Steve Parsons and David Naylor won their first match 6-4, 6-3 but struggled to get into the game against Kingsteignton's first pairing and lost 2-6, 0-6. However, the overall 6-2 win was an encouraging start.

Okehampton ladies played their first game of the season at home to Tiverton. Jackie Jarvis and Kath Bolt won their first match 6-4, 6-4 but faced stronger opposition in the second rubber and lost 1-6, 3-6. The second pairing of Becca Jarvis and Elizabeth Ryder struggled to find their form and lost in straight sets giving Tiverton a 6-2 overall win. With the return of Angela Herrod-Taylor and Beth Dennis in the next couple of weeks the women's team are developing a strong squad of players that should serve them well this year. The club has also entered a mixed team in the East Devon summer league and these matches commence in May.

New players of the sport are always welcome. In addition to match play, the club meets for social tennis on Tuesdays (6pm to 8pm) and Saturday (2pm to 4pm) in Simmons Park.

The club provides a programme of junior tennis on Saturday mornings. Further details can be obtained from Paul Love on [email protected]">[email protected] Alternatively, pop down to any club session.