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Nelson Squash Club’s six courts buzzed with competitive energy last Thursday as the Tasman Secondary Schools Squash tournament brought together a record number of young athletes.
Teams from Garin College, Marlborough Boys’, Marlborough Girls’, Nelson College, Waimea, Nayland College, Golden Bay and Motueka High School battled it out across 11 girls’ and 18 boys’ teams, showcasing the growing popularity of squash as a fantastic sport for fitness, agility, and racket skills.
The undisputed stars of the day were the Motueka High Flyers Girls’ team, who clinched their third consecutive championship title in a dominant performance.
They secured a resounding 3-0 victory over the formidable Marlborough Girls A team, with impressive wins from No. 1 Tanisha Smith, No. 2 Isla Fitzsimmons, and No. 3 Norah Schubert. This victory marks a poignant moment for the team, as Tanisha, Isla, and Norah are all Year 13 students in their final year. Only Tanisha has been a part of all three championship-winning teams, a testament to her consistent dedication. The girls are now looking forward to their next chapter, with aspirations to attend Canterbury University.
In the boys’ competition, Motueka High School’s team of Rory Tindale, Alex Pearson and Riley Harrison battled hard to secure fourth place, overcoming Garin Gold 2-1, but ultimately falling to Marlborough College C team in three tough matches.
Marlborough College A and B teams secured first and second place in the boys’ division, demonstrating their strength, perhaps aided by the convenience of on-site squash courts.
Looking ahead, coach Nick Wiffen is keen to develop the next generation of squash talent right here in Motueka. If you’re a young aspiring player, the Junior Squash Club runs on Fridays from 3.30pm to 6pm at the Motueka Squash courts, located behind Whitwells Menswear. If this sounds like you, please contact Nick directly via the club’s website.
