AFTER a dismal start to their league programme, Malvern Squash Club were hoping for better things in their County Cup match against Club Ventura.

In the end the match result all hinged on the outcome of the last game with the match score at 2-2 and the games at 8-8.

Guy Rutter had set them off in fine style, breezing past Malcolm Magnet in three games, while on the other court Andy Ing triumphed in a much tighter contest with George Oxley.

Oxley is a fine shot-maker and took prompt advantage of any loose shots but Rutter's fitness and determination kept him in the game and it went right to the wire, the serve changing hands nine times at match ball.

New captain Kevin Sandercock and Robin Broad both lost 3-1 and it was left to club champion Nigel

Long, at number one, to try to salvage the evening. His opponent, James Bralee, played fluently to take the first game easily and it needed a massive effort by Nigel to get back into the match as he just shaded the next two game.

But younger legs eventually prevailed and although Nigel retrieved heroically, James soon re-established control and took the final games comfortably.

RESULTS: Nigel Long lost to James Bralee 2-9, 10-9, 10-8, 5-9, 6-9; Robin Broad lost to Tim Hollingworth 2-9, 3-9, 9-7, 5-9; Kevin Sandercock lost to Mark Field 2-9, 6-9, 10-9, 7-9; Andy Ing bt George Oxley 9-7, 8-9, 9-7, 3-9, 10-9; Guy Rutter bt Malcolm Magnet 9-4, 9-3, 9-3. Club Ventura 3, Malvern 2.