THE Tarra Motors South East Squash Championships were played last Sunday with locals successful in five of the six divisions.
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Traditionally steamy October weather, made for tough conditions for the 38 participants, who came from Cooma, Merimbula, Batemans Bay and the surrounding local area.
Ladies played a round robin of two pools and played a minimum of four matches and the men played up to five matches (best of five) and there was a range of ages and abilities in the entries.
Bega Club members were winners in both the Men’s and Ladies Open and this was a just reward for both Troy Northy and Nicholle Cooke, who with a crew of other keen players, have been attending tournaments throughout NSW during the year, gaining valuable experience.
Ladies Plate runner up Janette Williamson is 68 years young and took up squash in her 50s.
She competed in the Australian masters in Tasmania last month and her goal is to win the 70 age group at the World Squash Masters in Birmingham in England in 2012.
Tournament sponsor John Stylianou played great squash to win the Men’s Special Plate and in an interesting twist, Bega junior, Scott Galeano (12) who had come to watch Dad, Steve, play and who kindly agreed to fill a late vacancy to avoid byes in the draw, made the finals in the Consolation Plate.
Scott demonstrated the skills he has learnt in the junior competition and another junior member, Brooke Bartlett, spent the day assisting with scoring and marking with a high level of confidence.
With junior players from the Cooma and Batemans Bay Club also competing, it is hoped the regional event will continue for many years.
The tournament was run by Bega Club’s tournament co-ordinator, Dick Ruse, ably assisted by one of his trainees, Craig Bassett.
This is Dick’s last year in the role and club, as he and his wife Lorraine are planning a move from the area in 2011.
President Dennis Curtis thanked Dick and Craig for all the work that goes into seeding players, making up the draw and ensuring the games run smoothly.
Games started at 9am and the last match of the day, the Men’s Open was not completed until nearly 7pm.
It was fantastic to see so many locals and visitors in the gallery to watch the finals matches and many players have already flagged their intention to enter the 2011 tournament.
Results:
Men’s Open: winner Troy Northey, Bega; runner-up Corey Bedingfield, Cooma, 4 games to 1, 15/8, 13/5, 15/10, 15/9.
Ladies Open: winner Nicholle Cooke, Bega; runner-up Rachell Hall, Bega, 4 games to 1, 15/10, 12/15, 15/3, 15/10.
Ladies’ Plate: winner Janelle Curtis, Bega; runner-up Janette Williamson, Cooma, 3 games to 2, 9/15, 15/7, 17/14, 10/15, 15/1.
Men’s Plate: winner Craig Bassett, Bega; runner-up, Dennis Curtis, Bega, 4 games to 1, 7/15, 15/7, 17/16, 15/6.
Men’s Special Plate: winner John Stylianou, Bega; runner-up, Luke McDonald, Cooma, 4 games to 1, 15/11, 11/15, 15/13, 15/13.
Men’s Consolation Plate: winner Geoff Bartlett, Merimbula; runner-up Scott Galeano, Bega, 3 games to 0, 15/13, 15/11, 15/4.
