Kingsbridge 3 (15pts), Sidmouth 2 (9) Sidmouth Squash Club made their longest journey of the season to face league leaders Kingsbridge at the Quay Leisure Centre.

Continuing his unbeaten run to date, captain Rob Cann made light work of an ailing Richard Jarvis in the opening fifth string rubber. Cann always looked in control and took full advantage of his opponents fatigue to win in straight games 15-13; 15-4; 15-11.

On the adjacent glass back court Alick Russell returned to winning ways with a hard earned 13-15; 15; 8; 15-11; 15-7 victory over fellow fourth string Ben Rogers. Despite losing the opening game marathon the efforts his opponent had put in took their toll and Russell was in complete control of the remainder of the rubber.

Elloitt Kingsley showed further glimpses of improvement despite losing in straight games to unbeaten Kingsbridge second string Kieran Squire. He did have his chances however but had to admit defeat in the 10-15; 6-15; 10-15 score line.

Kingsbridge levelled the match scores when top string John Stevens narrowly defeated Sidmouth No 1 Chris Marriott 15-10; 13-15; 15-2; 10-15; 15-9. Both players had a very similar game which led to a lot of short points as both players had deadly winning shots. It was inevitable the game would the distance but their can only be one winner and it was John who shaded the decider.

The final rubber of the evening looked to be going Sidmouth’s way when third string Nigel Desousa took the opening game tie-break 16-14. Not to be out done opponent Mark McLaren responded by taking the second and the third despite Nigel’s best efforts. Both players gave their all in the fourth and unfortunately for Nigel Marks fitness won out as he won the game narrowly to win the rubber 14-16; 15-8; 15-7; 15-12.

Despite the defeat the team were not disgraced and will go into the Xmas break eagerly looking forward to the return to league squash in mid-January.