Seven local club members travelled to Wollongong last weekend to compete in the Illawarra Masters Tournament to represent the club, where they gained some strong results against top level competitors. 

A NSW Masters meeting was also held and Bega has been included on the map to host a Masters tournament in 2017 with an event scheduled for June 3-4. 

“The Masters is a great format, it encourages all players over the age of 35 and of all levels, you have the open and state level players who might be up to the standard of the PSA players we saw earlier this year, but there is opportunities for everyone to play,” team member Janelle Curtis said. 

Leanne Heyhorn finished runner-up in the division two plate, while Kirsti Fristad secured a win in the division three competition. 

Curtis finished runner-up in the ladies division three.

“The lady who defeated me was 79, it just goes to show you can be active and competitive, no matter your age.” she said. 

Hans Cremerius finished second in the division four consolation plate, while Dennis Curtis claimed the consolation plate in division seven and Sheep Thatcher collected the division nine consolation plate. 

Baden Edwards finished runner-up in division nine. 

About 120 players competed at the Illawarra Masters, but Curtis said Bega was known as a strong contender at Masters events and it provided a boost to selection to host a tournament.  

“There are a number of us who always travel to compete, for a small country town, we’re well represented,” she said. 

“That’s why we’ve been allowed to host a tournament next year, it will be good for squash in the area and bring about 60 players and their support. “It will be a great way to showcase the area.”

Masters events can be state-based, but can also cross borders and Curtis said the local club would try and entice a few Victorians over the border for the event. 

Hosting the tournament will be a big boost to other events added on the Bega calendar next year. 

“We have a 40 year history and Bega has always been a very active club,” Curtis said. “And John [Stylianou] and the committee are working with associations like the PSA and Masters to continue promoting the sport.”