Squash Club at National Champs

October 15-18 2014 saw the Martinborough E Grade ladies team in Christchurch for the National E Grade Squash tournament, representing the Wellington region. At the same time, the E grade men’s teams from both Masterton and Red Star were at the same venue, also representing the Wellington region. Out of 20 teams (x10 women and x10 men), three were from the Wairarapa!

In the women’s draw, teams came from as far afield as Maungaturoto (Northland) down to Otago. We met and played against an amazing group of women. They ranged from young juniors coming up through the ranks to those wily women who had all the shots and just owned the court!

Off court, they were such a friendly group of gals. Over a few drinks we managed to acquire some of the other team’s preparation techniques, drills and warm up routines. All a bit late for us in the end though!

We were seeded 7th and finished up 9th. As we played our final match, we decided between ourselves and our opponents (Linwood, Christchurch) that we were actually playing the E grade final as all the other teams were now full of D & C grade players! We did however, come second at the Quiz night and that included all the men’s teams!!

We had an amazing time and it was all made possible by our supporters – our families, squash club, raffle ticket prize providers, raffle ticket buyers and of course our sponsors.

Sincere thanks goes to our coaching staff – Marco de Groot, Libby Patterson and Rob McMaster, we did try hard, really! A huge thank you to you all, you were awesome, we couldn’t have managed the trip without you.

It was such a privilege to be able to attend a National event. We play squash for fitness and fun, it’s something we (all being busy Mum’s) can do just for ourselves. So to take it up a notch and go to this tournament was both nerve-wracking but thoroughly enjoyable. It was a great experience. So, bring on the 2015 squash season. You’re welcome to come and join us on court…..

Thanks to our sponsors: Nga Waka Vineyard Ltd, Go to Martinborough, Pain & Kershaw, Martinborough Transport Ltd, Shoe Clinic, Martinborough Automotive, Susan Stephen – Leaders in Real Estate, Securatel NZ Ltd.