IT is happily no more than a bad dream looking back over the years to when Crediton Squash Courts were under pressure of being turned into plastic ball parks with chocolate and fizzy drinks dispensers!

Since those worrying days sport has prevailed and squash has thrived.

The Helmores Crediton Squash Club is currently enjoying its most successful year ever and for an estate agent, it should be noted, sponsor boss Phil Morgan isn’t playing too shabbily either!

Monday, February 8: “Crediton 3” travelled away to Okehampton and won 20 - 2 maintaining their No 2 and promotion position in Division Four.

Meanwhile “Crediton 1” playing in The Premier League at home (Lords Meadow Leisure Centre) were up against the mighty Exeter Golf and Country Club with their host of stars including a world ranked 100 pro.

Local players Ollie Coupe (5) and Ben Hancock (4) ripped into the opposition tail with 3-0 and 3-1 wins respectively. A perfect start to unsettle the visitors.

These two youngsters have benefitted hugely from the outstanding coaching from our resident Professional Ashley Knight.

Matt Baker (3) was in control at 2-1 up but a little lack of fitness just let him down in the fifth. Our No I Sam Ellis took the first game against a seasoned pro but just lost out in four gruelling games 3-1. The match was finely balanced at two matches apiece when up stepped newly-appointed Captain Knight who, it must be said has only recently recovered from a double knee dislocation.

It could not have been a tougher encounter with the opponent being probably the hardest hitting ball striker in the South West. Ashley lost the first game, won the second two and just lost the fourth, with the whole match now hinging on this one last game our aspiring captain showed grit, determination and not insignificant skill to forge ahead, leading by example to win the game 11-7 and the match.

Result: Crediton 17 - Exeter Golf and Country Club 9.

This result sees Helmores Crediton Squash First Team in third place in The Premier League with just three more to play.

Toby Tompkins aged 17 played for Crediton 3 away in Okehampton last Monday evening (February 8) winning 3-0.

The Crediton Club took 37 out of a possible 40 points available on Monday. Crediton’s Second Team were due to play Okehampton First away yesterday. That means 15 Crediton players will have played team matches this week in addition to other games and all other members of the club.

Crediton have also won through to the semi-finals of The Devon Cup which will be played at Newton Abbot on Tuesday, February 16.

Come and join us on Friday evening club nights from 7pm at the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre Squash Courts, meet the coach and members and have a few games.

On Monday, February 29 Crediton Squash 1 take on Devon and Exeter Squash Club 1 at Lords Meadow at 7pm. Seating will be available on first-come-first-served basis and entry is free.

For enquiries regarding membership or coaching please contact me, Phil Hancock, on 01647 24813 or email: [email protected] .

Phil Hancock