Herne Bay Ponsonby Rackets Club hosted the premium National Men’s and Women’s Squash Teams event over Queens Birthday weekend. With 26 teams, 51 ties and 255 matches to get through it was always going to be a busy weekend!
Players travelled from all over the country to participate in an event that has a long and proud tradition within the squash elite of NZ, and it was great to see so many people at the club throughout the three days.
HBPRC had two men’s teams competing as they did last year too, and no other club can lay claim to this which is a feature of our A-grade strength at the club. Our Men’s A team were seeded second, and after some scintillating squash to make it through to the final came up against the youngsters of Devoy Squash & Fitness from Tauranga – 3 of these being Dame Susan Devoy’s sons!
A tough battle ensued but alas the youth of Devoy were too strong for our men and prevailed 3-1 in the final, watched by one of the biggest and loudest crowds ever seen at the club.
In the Mitchell Cup the Wellington women of Thorndon were too strong for the North Shore youngsters of Belmont Park and took out the title amongst some keenly competitive women’s squash.
Scott Kittelty and a large team of helpers ensured the tournament was enjoyed by all and was a significant financial success for the Club, culminating in a party on Sunday night that won't be forgotten for some time!
Finally a huge thank you to all the volunteers that helped out over the weekend, including the donating sponsors, Jason Kay as key statistician, the van drivers, and all the volunteer bar staff that put in their own time to assist.
Check out the Squash NZ page for info on the Rules, Seedings and Team Lists, Draws and lots more.
Check out some video from Saturday Herne Bay vs. Belmont Park
Keep up to date with all the results here.
Follow your team's draws and results here.
