Latest News

Champions crowned at Masters Nationals

The crowds at SquashGym Palmerston North were treated to an absolute feast of squash today, as the Masters National Championships wrapped up for another year.

15 age group champions were crowned today.  Almost all have tasted success at national masters level before, and were adding titles to already bulging resumes.

None more so than Kathryn McKay of the Whakatane Squash Club, who brought up a milestone tenth national title in beating Sue Wasley (Burnside) in the women's 50-54 age group.  Christchurch's Lawrence Skurr is not far behind, picking up his eighth title in beating clubmate and long-time sparring partner Wayne Seebeck for the men's 60-64 title. 

Trevor Coulter backed up his success at the World Masters Squash Championships in July, where he won the 80+ championship, by winning the 75+ title.  Diana Bennett of the Devonport Club picked up a national title in her first ever Masters National Championships, beating Inglewood's Pauline Stachurski by a nail-biting 15-13 scoreline in the fifth and deciding set.  Mandy Kennedy and Vicki Beker also went the full distance in their women's 45-49 age group, with Kennedy eventually prevailing in a gruelling match to defend the title she won last year at Henderson Squash Club.

Mike McSherry kept the locals happy by winning the men's 45-49 title.  The long time SquashGym Palmerston North member was pushed extremely hard by Marlborough's Grant Craig, who took an elongated first set 19-17.  From there McSherry fought back to clinch the match 3/1, but not without a great deal of difficulty.

The headline act was the women's 35-39 age group final played between ex-NZ senior representatives Sarah Cook and Tamsyn Leevey.  Showing all of the class that saw both women achieve top 25 world rankings in their pomp, the crowd was treated to some dazzling strokeplay.  While Leevey was able to get on the right end of three close games, Cook was perhaps harshly treated by the 3/0 scoreline.  The crowd were certainly hoping for a fightback to extend the spectacle, but went home satisfied nonetheless. 

Mike McSherry, Lisa Cowlard, Kathryn McKay and Freda Walker underlined their fondness for Palmerston North - all won age group titles in 2005 when the Masters National Champs were last held in the city.  Dan Mossenson was the only first time winner, tripping across the Tasman to take out the men's 65-69 title.

Remuera's Maurie Peters was honoured with the Rob Roche Memorial Award for Meritorious Service to Masters Squash at the annual dinner on Saturday night.  Peters, 85, has seven national masters titles to his name and has played squash for more than 40 years in the BOP and Auckland Districts.  He regularly helps out at Remuera, assisting with refereeing, tournament control and court cleaning.

Final Results

Men's 35-39: (1) Shaun Madden bt (2) Eugene Black 15-5 15-6 15-13
Women's 35-39: (2) Tamsyn Leevey bt (1) Sarah Cook 15-13 16-14 15-12
Men's 40-44: (1) Scott Gardiner bt (3) Paul Bedford 15-10 15-5 15-7
Women's 40-44: (1) Lisa Cowlard bt (3) Becky Clarke 15-12 15-9 15-6
Men's 45-49: (1) Mike McSherry bt (3) Grant Craig 17-19 15-10 15-12 15-12
Women's 45-49: (1) Mandy Kennedy bt (2) Vicki Beker 14-16 15-11 13-15 15-12 15-9
Men's 50-54: (1) Mark Millar bt (3) Mark Roberts 15-12 15-6 15-9
Women's 50-54: (1) Kathryn McKay bt (2) Sue Wasley 15-10 17-15 15-11
Men's 55-59: (1) Mark Waldin bt (2) Marty McKelvie 15-3 16-14 15-12
Women's 55-59: (1) Karen Walton bt (2) Ann Harliwich 15-11 10-15 15-13 15-7
Men's 60-64: (1) Lawrence Skurr bt (2) Wayne Seebeck 15-10 10-15 17-15 15-7
Women's 60-64: (1) Freda Walker bt (2) Judith Smith 15-7 15-3 15-4
Men's 65-69: Won by Dan Mossenson (Aus) (round-robin)
Women's 65+:  (2) Diana Bennett bt (1) Pauline Stachurski 15-12 15-9 9-15 9-15 15-13
Men's 75+: Won by Trevor Coulter (round-robin)

Full Results

http://www.squash.org.nz/sit/live/tournament/event/1013215


<< Back

Major Partner

Programme & Team Partners


Community & Youth Development Partner

Community Trust Supporters


 

Website by nzsites.nz