SQUASH: Sidmouth hosted a strong Newton Abbot in their return game this week, still thinking of what might have been last week at Fort Stamford.

SQUASH: Sidmouth hosted a strong Newton Abbot in their return game this week, still thinking of what might have been last week at Fort Stamford.

First up was No 4 string Mike Taylor, drawn against the bandana-clad Nigel Bell yet again.

Both experienced players, the opening game was unusually loose for Taylor, who seemed unable to shake off his lack of form and never really settled. Bell kept it simple, played a percentage game and a frustrated Taylor went on to loose in three straight games, 2/9, 5/9, 4/9.

On the opposite court Mark Trafford, at No5 string, took on a rather tricky Kevin Appleby. Trafford contrived to loose a close opening game with three or four errors at a critical point. However, he quickly made amends in the second, following coaching advice, before Appleby, who slowly got into his stride, proceeded to take the remainder with Trafford going out 7/9, 9/5, 4/9, 5/9.

Sidmouth No3 Chris Woodruff took on Paul Britton and opened in impressive style, taking the lead in the first.

In a loose but competitive game, Britton reversed the result in the second after Woodruff endeavoured to use all parts of his racket with interesting but unprofitable effect.

The game was finely balanced in the third before Britton made his opponent pay for too many unforced errors, Woodruff eventually losing 9/5, 2/9, 4/9, 1/9.

Expectations were high for Phil Borret at No2 following last week's performance at Fort Stamford.

Taking on the talented but not overly fit Lee Curtis, Borret had a shocking opening game which seemed to unsettle the Sidmouth man who threw his racket down in disgust.

Unable to move his opponent sufficiently well around the court in the second and unable to tighten his game, a disgruntled Borrett muttered his way off court 0/9, 2/9, 2/9.

In his own words, No1 string Glen Borrett felt an "inner balance" and better prepared to take on a strong Lewis Hurst. In a performance that was a distinct improvement on the earlier away game, Borret junior was unlucky to loose the opening game. With the whiff of a rest taken in the second, Borret looked like taking the third, leading as he did by six points. However, in some closely contested rallies which saw both players fully extended, Hurst did enough to see Borret off 8/10, 0/9, 6/9.

The previous week's tally of eight points could not be improved on this week, the consolation being some points on the board, a cool pint and a rather fine Tudor Rose supper.

By Chris Woodruff

Squash

Sidmouth 1sts 2pts, Newton Abbot 20