Sidmouth 4 ( 19pts) - Newton Abbot 3rd’s 1 (7 pts)

Sidmouth Squash Club made it three wins out of three in January with a comprehensive 4-1 home victory over Newton Abbot 3rds, writes Rob Cann.

The evening began with the home side’s only defeat when Paul Clare lost out 15-10; 14-16; 15-12;12-15; 8-15 to fellow fifth string Nick Whalley.

The rubber was extremely close and could have gone either way but Nick lasted the pace to record victory.

On the adjacent court, third string Dave Maskill had little difficulty in defeating opponent Ian Davies. Despite losing the second game, Dave had the game and knowhow to conclude victory in four games, 15-7; 9-15; 15-9; 15-7.

Sidmouth took a 2-1 lead in the rubber of the evening. Alick Russell and fellow fourth string Matt Whalley battled out five energy-sapping games, with Alick prevailing 16-14; 5-15; 15-9; 11-15; 15-10.

Credit should go to Alick as this time last season he would have probably lost such a close game but improved shot selection and concentration saw him through in a throughly entertaining match.

Chris Marriott sealed team victory with a comprehensive 15-6; 15-8; 15-6 win over Newton's Rob Salmon. Rob had no answers to Chris's power and touch game and a multitude of errors put paid to his slim chances.

In the final rubber of the evening, Chris Woodruff continued his 100 per cent record this season with a hard earned 15-13; 15-9; 12-15; 15-5 win over fellow No 1 Steve Lewis.

Steve was throughly aware of Chris's record and was pleased to get one game, but there was only ever going to be one winner.

There is a break in league action next week.The team’s next match is at Devon & Exeter.