Sidmouth Squash Club suffered their first defeat of the season going down 3-2 at home to Okehampton Squash Club.

Sidmouth 2 (7pts), - Okehampton 3 (15pts)

Sidmouth Squash Club suffered their first defeat of the season going down 3-2 at home to Okehampton Squash Club.

Sidmouth began well when Paul Clare completely outclassed and outplayed Oke's fifth string Dave Harding, Paul's 15-6, 15-8, 15-2 victory as easy as the scoreline suggests.

Sidmouth doubled their score and took a 2-0 lead when fourth string Alick Russell defeated opponent Ed Bewes 3-1.

Alick had difficulty in reading Ed's quirky style of play in the opening game and did well to claw his way back from 10-14 in the opener to win 17-16 in the set balls. Ed responded with some excellent drops and touch to level at 1-1. The longer the game went on the more Al began to relax and sustained pressure forced Ed into error after error allowing Al to race through the third and the fourth to win 17-16, 8-15, 15-12, 15-8.

Oke third string Phil Kemsley reduced the deficit when defeating home third string Paul Symington in straight games. Paul never really got into his stride and lacked accuracy, which Phil seized upon at every opportunity before securing the 15-13, 15-8, 15-11 result.

The match was all square following the second string encounter between home player Chris Marriott and fellow No 2 Arnie Searle. Returning from a long layoff, Arnie looked hesitant and lacked control in the early stages but found his feet quicker than Chris had wished. Arnie's 15-7, 15-12, 15-12 win was a little harsh on Chris, who deserved at least one game for his efforts.

Improving by the week Sidmouth's top string, Nigel Desousa, had his work cut out to get anything from one of the best players in the division Clive Marlais.Clive was fairly fortuitous in taking the opener, but Nigel got his just desserts when taking the second to level.

Clive did up his game from then on and, despite a spirited revival in the fourth, Nigel had to settle for a 15-13, 8-15, 15-6,15-12 defeat.

Sidmouth hope to return to winning ways when they travel to EGCC 5ths, the bottom club.