TAVISTOCK and Okehampton Squash Clubs played their annual match for the West Devon Squash Trophy on June 21.

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 Tavistock with the home team being represented by Clive Marais, Steve Tripp, Will Westlake, and Ian Smart, with Phil Kemsley, Phil Allin, Justin Gliddon and Dan Yeoman playing for Okehampton. Tavistock put in an excellent performance with Okehampton struggling to find their rhythm and the home side ended up winning 4-0.

The second teams played at Okehampton with the home team being represented by Shawn Jones, Shane Vallance, Chris Elphick, John Dufty and Sue Stanbury; Tavistock were represented by Nigel Eadie, Stuarty Cox, Phil Honey, Matthew Smith and Robin Burdfield.

This was probably a stronger team for Tavistock than usual, but it proved a good thing as Okehampton played great squash and despite losing the first two matches went on to record a 3-2 win that included two titanic battles in the top two positions, both matches going to a deciding fifth game. The final score was 6-3 to Tavistock who 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.