A RECENT squash tournament was successful for a group of Taneatua squash players when they won the Bay of Plenty qualifying championships in their grade, earning a spot at a national tournament later in the year.

It was a special occasion for the D grade team as it was the first time they had qualified for a national tournament, while other teams from the club have qualified in the past.

They are off to Methven in September, where they will come up against numerous other D grade ladies’ teams from around New Zealand.

The Taneatua team include Marama Hancy, Te Orihau Teepa, Felicia Hata, Joslyne Umpherville, Gassey Turei, Cedella Ihaia and Shandi McNabb.

“It will be exciting for us heading down to Methven. We have recently started training properly for it,” Hata said.

To make it to nationals they had to get past Taupō Squash Club, Tauranga’s Devoy Squash Club, and Putaruru, which they managed successfully.

“We played Putaruru in the final and we were lucky that we got to a 3-1 lead, so the last match meant our fifth player could just go out there and enjoy it. Even though they lost, we went through 3-2.

“It was nice to have qualified before the final match because it took all the pressure off the final player, and it was the best thing we could have done.”

Hata said they were looking forward to facing different teams at nationals.

The club’s current C grade ladies have been a couple of times, so they will be able to pass on some knowledge about what nationals are like.

“Our team is excited for the opportunity.”

She said they all enjoyed playing squash and were a fabulous bunch of ladies to play alongside.

“We now have a training schedule and nutritional schedule to help us get prepared in the best possible way, and now we just have to fundraise and try and find some sponsorship to help.

“It’s great to put our small club out there on the map.”

Edgecumbe C grade have also qualified for the nationals in their grade, and they will head to Hamilton for their event.

They came up against Mount Maunganui, Katikati, Waikite Valley, Devoy and Geyser, which made for a busy few days of squash.

Team manager Sharm Walker said all the ladies played exceptionally well and they were honoured to win, considering many of them were convinced to join.

“I must admit I persuaded a few of them to come out of retirement. Our goal was simple, to play some competitive squash without any pressure to win.

“We aimed to play our best and have fun and when the team seedings came out, we were surprised to be ranked second out of six teams.”

Walker said they remained focused and didn’t let the ranking get to them.

“We made sure it didn’t rattle us. We focused on our goal of playing five games in three days. As we progressed through the rankings, I realised we had a strong team and we were winning convincingly against our opponents.”

As expected, Waikite were the toughest challengers as they were the top-ranked team.

“We were determined to give it our all against them and leave it all on the court for the final match. With the score tied at 2-all, the final game would determine the winner, adding immense pressure for both teams.”

In front of a packed stadium and a crowd that was against them, number 5, Angharad Brady, won her match convincingly 3-0 to secure Edgecumbe’s passage to the nationals later in the year.

“It was a fantastic weekend and the team achieved what they set out to do: play hard, have fun and enjoy the experience.

“We now look forward to representing the Bay of Plenty at nationals in September and this time we’re training and aiming to do even better.”

Their national tournament will be held from September 18-21 at the Methven Squash Club.