The preliminary rounds of the Canowindra Squash Championships started with such a burst of enthusiasm, as the ladies put everything into the matches.
It’s amazing how championship play lifts you to another level and it was great to watch.
The first round always pits an AB player against a CD player which often has surprising results.
Helen McSpadden played a strong game against Ange Elli’s tenacity, holding the lead 59 to 53.
Helen Tinney lifted her game to 50 against intrepid Carolyn Austin 69.
Effervescent Jacque Kinsella 64 brought out the best in stoic Fiona Knight 54 and so it went on.
Mary Breen gave it her best shot 40 against fast moving Roxanne Breen 62.
Cate McSpadden prevailed 70 over Carolyn Austin 61.
Thursday mixed exploded into action in a long five hours session, with everyone playing two matches.
The atmosphere was electric as the dynamic duo of Chris Kinsela and Mark Adams shadowed one another for a 63 all draw. Wow!
Jonno Preston pulled out all his skills against the determination of Cate McSpadden just going down 58 to 60.
Corey Knight played a blinder 67 against Ange Ellis who kept her best for the last half 51.
Veteran Neil Campbell gave it his all against Amber Meurs extraordinary skills 58 to 79.
Anthony Attard’s lightning reflexes and speed around the court stopped Cate McSpadden 74 to 55.
Sandy McDonald and Mary Breen had their usual “your turn or mine” game with Sandy trumping 59 to 49 this time.
Bill Paul showed such great court coverage and effort against the expertise of Mark Adams, but age and treachery failed to stop youth and tenacity.
Our championships dinner was a very enjoyable evening of fun and laughter and the morning loomed all too soon for some, and it was time for finals.
The men’s masters saw two young guns and two veterans battling out – Neil Campbell narrowly lost 60 to 63 to Bruce Austin.
Bill Paul went down to Mark Adams 49 to 66, in the semis, but the young guys didn’t do it easily and worked to earn their place in the final.
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Great sports.
Ladies masters heralded two new vets to the ranks who pushed the “old girls” along, in the nicest possible way, of course.
Fiona Knight went down 52 to 63 to Helen McSpadden, Sandy McDonald toppled soundly by Caroline Austin.
In C Grade Helen Tinney led most of the match until Amara Flannery kicked into gear and took it to a 57 all draw.
So five minutes overtime saw an amazing burst to give Amara the lead 77 to 64.
Fine play girls.
Peta Laurie and Cate McSpadden played a torrid, energized two thirds of their match, when Cate all but succumbed to loss of oxygen, giving Peta a win 59 to 46.
Neil Campbell showed great tenacity and agility for our senior statesman, against the exceptional skills of Peta Laurie 58 to 78.
Mary Breen topped Ange Ellis 57 to 50.
Mark Adams fantastic serves kept scores close against the dynamic talent of Rohan Toole 45 to 53.
Corey Knight played exceptional squash stopping all comers in D Grade.
Unfortunately work commitment prevented him contesting the final.
Great stuff Corey!
Got a bit carried away there with semi finals. Too good for you to miss.
But now for the finals, which were played one at a time, which allowed the large gallery to enjoy each one.
First on the list, the high school championship which was delightful to watch as two young mates, Rohan Toole and Connor Bennett attempted to outwit each other, and they enjoyed it too, win or lose.
Rohan won decisively, but they had fun too.
Well done boys.
Ladies masters saw a strong start for Carolyn Austin making Helen McSpadden play catch up squash.
Long rallies and speedy court coverage made it interesting and Carolyn prevailed 55 to 53 in a great battle to take the title.
Two newcomers to masters vied for the men’s trophy – Mark Adams and Bruce Austin went at it hammer and tongs.
Lunges, dives, slides and tremendous skills made up the very close match giving the championships to Bruce 48 to 44.
The ladies A Grade final pitted two superb athletes against one another – Amber Meurs put her body on the line (and the wall plus the glass) with superb footwork and brilliant shots while Peta Laurie’s touch of class made this match memorable.
The ladies championship rests comfortably with the phenomenon that is Amber.
Ladies B Grade was next and veteran Mary Breen’s competitive spirit was at its best against Amara Flannery’s intrepid style, winning 67 to 50.
Tara Grant (filling in on the spur of the moment, and doing it so well) and bubbly Ange Ellis, played point for point most of the game.
Tara’s canny anticipation of shots, made for a great D Grade final.
Angela switched to overdrive in the last few minutes winning 61 to 54. Rippa Rita!
Jacque Kinsella and Carolyn Austin played the C Grade final and as both girls enjoy a front wall game, the rallies were long, the reflexes extreme and the footwork pretty to watch.
Final score was 62 to 43 with Carolyn taking the trophy home.
The B Grade final was probably the most frenzied I have ever seen.
Both Anthony Attard and Amber Meurs have remarkable court speed, acute reflexes and fierce competitiveness.
The gallery was exhausted just watching, as Amber crept to the lead, winning the title 64 to 55.
Congratulations, what a match!
The climax of the championships is the A Grade match.
It was a daunting task for anyone to take on the formidable young champion of many titles, our own Rohan Toole, who just can’t help himself – quite simply, he is a winner.
Chris Kinsella had the task and in a never say die spirit he gave it his best shot.
And he was certainly not disgraced.
There were great serves, fine rallies, powerful smashes and sneaky drop shots – but Rohan just powered on to take the championships in fine style.
Wonderful match boys. Congratulations.
The weekend finished with a tasty family barbeque, the happy sounds of our many young future squash players, and the presentation of prizes.
Awards were made to most improved players – Jo Bell (Monday night), Corey Knight (Thursday), Cate McSpadden (Most Improved Lady), Connor Bennett (Junior), the prestigious awards of Sportsmanship went to Peta Laurie.
Junior Club Person Rohan Toole, and club person Sandy McDonald.
President Jacque thanked Nassau Estate, Swinging Bridge Wines and Canowindra Services Club for sponsorship.
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