While many were watching fireworks or floats and festival princesses, approximately 130 squash players from across Aotearoa travelled to Central to battle for the Mens and Womens E grade super champs titles.

Eight men’s and eight women’s teams from as far away as Auckland initially played in a round robin pool of four teams, then semi finals and finals at both Alexandra and Omakau squash clubs (September 21-24).

Hastings Tennis & Squash Club took first place in the Men’s results, second was Te Puke, and third was Lugton Park.

All smiles: Men’s winners Hastings Tennis & Squash Club

Women’s winners Henderson Squash Club at Saturday’s prizegiving

First place in the Women’s was Henderson Squash Club, Te Puke was second, and Surf City third.

To qualify teams had to previously win district championships for their area.

Tournament director Brent Taucher said the standard of squash was “really good” and competitive with tight match-ups across both venues. 

He said the clash with the Blossom Festival had the “worst possible” impact on availability of accommodation for teams.

“But it is great to have [the festival] on for those visiting from outside the region… there’s plenty to enjoy.” 

Players were a mix of up and coming teenagers and more older experienced people of around age fifty or sixty. 

Everyone played five games each over the four days and Brent said there were plenty of aching sore bodies after that much court time. 

Eight out of New Zealand’s 11 squash regions were represented. Women’s teams were from Te Awamutu, Henderson, Martinborough, Kawaroa Park (Taranaki), Te Puke, Surf City (Gisborne), Cromwell, and Waimate. 

Men’s teams were Alexandra, Mana, Hastings Tennis & Squash, Te Puke, Lugton Park (Hamilton), Titirangi Tennis and Squash, Omakau and Wānaka.

Brent said ‘thank yous’ were due to many people working away in the background to make the tournament a success.

“We’ve had amazing people from the clubs who have taken time off work.

“Our two major local sponsors Jennian Homes and Super Liquor have been helpful, and we’re so grateful for their support.”

Other roles included catering support (lunches were provided every day), managing the bars at both Alexandra and Omakau, a courtesy transport coach between venues and court logistics management.

Central was well represented with Cromwell’s women qualifying as district champs as well as the Alexandra men, and Omakau and Wānaka men’s teams both nabbed last minute spots due to a team cancellation and an even number of teams being required for the men’s draw.

Alexandra men lost in their semi final against Te Puke on Friday (September 23), they came away with a fourth place finish.  

Cromwell’s women finished seventh, Wānaka men sixth and Omakau men eighth. 

The Cromwell E grade ladies just before the first round of the tournament

Brent said the off court gatherings and laughs were a big part of the tournament. Evening functions were held at the Alexandra Rugby Club; Friday was dinner and a DJ and Saturday was dinner, prize giving and a band.

“After you play you’ve got to umpire together. There’s team mixing and socialising… a big mix of people from all over and a great atmosphere.”

There are 300 squash clubs in New Zealand - 13 in Otago - and it is estimated 90,000 kiwis play or try squash each year. 

Alexandra Squash club has 88 members and new players, both social and competitive are welcome, please contact.

The club offers free coaching to junior members on a Sunday afternoon and membership numbers are growing as families are moving to the area and connecting with the club.