NZ Doubles Windup By Evan Williams

Evan Williams gives us the low down on the Doubles Camp and the NZ Doubles Championships.

As the NZ High Performance Squad desended on Palmerston North for 2k16's first doubles camp before the NZ Doubles Nationals - we all arrived full of hope, intrigue, fully functioning shoulders plus a few nerves for the younger contingent. We were minus Megan for the first day as she decided not to trade her house, business and soul in exchange for flights to Palmy but the rest of the squad were ready to double down in everything thrown at us - including trickle boasts for Benny, slices of deliciously crafted lasagne, shots down the middle and 5 nugs for $2 from BK.

Glen Wilson ran a smooth camp that involved a lot of learning for us all with great input and feedback from the more experienced doubles players in the group. Video analysis, whiteboard notes and open group chats pursued as we honed in on tactics for each category. We tried out different combinations in all the categories before setting up shop for the NZ doubles to start. Here we braced ourselves for an onslaught from our countries finest doubles players both on and off the court.

The tournament ran without a glitch. Everyones eyes gleamed at how big the doubles court is and how impossibly low the tin is too. After two full days of play, inflamed deltoids and some massive battles - the champions were crowned. Joelle and Lance seemed relieved to have my massive 68kg frame off their shoulders as they could finally stop having to carry me as we pulled through in the mixed and mens respectively and Joey and Amanda looked as clinical as ever in taking out the womens with dominance. All and all a good week for us as we turned up as individuals and left as a well drilled and trained unit. All joins well for future camps in build up to the World Doubles later in the year.

Thanks to SNZ for making it happen and to squash gym for having us for the week!

By Evan Williams