After consecutive defeats Sidmouth Squash returned to winning ways with a comfortable 4 – 1 victory over bottom team Devon & Exeter 8ths, writes Rob Cann.

The opening game on the night proved to be the longest, closest and most tetchy rubber of the evening between Sidmouth’s Paul Symington and D & E’s Adrian Carpenter.

The eventual 19-17; 10-15; 12-15; 16-14; 15-9 score line was a fair reflection on the closeness of the game but not on what was contained in the match. Carpenter’s lack of movement and Symington’s slow clearance from the ball meant the players clashed on frequent occasions creating a nightmare for the home lady marker and a stop start match was concluded however with top marks to the marker.

Nigel Desousa should be commended for his efforts in defeating fellow second string Richard Speedy. Having returned to Exeter for the evening from holiday in North Devon, Desousa was rewarded with a comprehensive 15-13; 15-6; 15-13 winning score.

Rob Cann sealed team victory and continued his unbeaten start to the season with a straight games 15-11; 15-5; 15-10 victory over fellow fifth string Cat Brewer.

Not falling into the trap of changing his game against a lady player, Cann took every opportunity to keep the pace on the ball and allow his opponent no chance of showing off her excellent touch and drop game.

Fourth string Alick Russell prevailed in the battle of the retrievers with opponent John Hare. With almost identical playing styles, there were plenty of long and entertaining rallies but it was Russell’s better choice of shot and experience that won through in the 15-9; 15-9; 15-9 score line.

The only Sidmouth defeat came in the top rubber when Chris Marriott lost out to D & E No 1 Steve Webber. Without club No 1 Chris Woodruff, Marriott has taken on the No 1 mantle with enthusiasm and has put up some sterling efforts against some very good players Webber was no exception and credit should go to Marriott for securing a valuable point from the 15-9; 15-9; 15-17; 15-4 defeat.

Sidmouth next play at Blundell’s School with Tiverton 2nds, where historically, the team have struggled with the cold ‘dead ‘courts.