Top-line squash makes rare foray to Whangarei

Elite squash action is heading to Whangarei for the first time in years.

The 2015 Cousins Shield and Mitchell Cup will be hosted by Whangarei Squash Club on Queen's Birthday Weekend, the first time the prestigious events have been held in Northland.

The events will see teams of squash players from all over New Zealand, and some from overseas, compete for the Mitchell Cup (women) and Cousins Shield (men).

Northland will be well represented by the Whangarei women's team of Sacha Pou-Tito, Zoe Dykzeul, MacKenzie Johnson, Sian Duggan, Nicola Pryor and Iyra Stewart.

The Mangakahia men's team of Brent Lewis, Luke Jones (import player), Finn Trimble, Reagan Wakeling, Ryan Chestnut and Milton Brookland will also take part.

This year, the event has attracted an extremely strong field, with seven of the top 10 New Zealand players competing, as well as internationally ranked players.

Former world number six Shelley Kitchen, originally from Kaitaia, will be back on familiar Northland turf representing the Silverdale Squash Club, alongside her sister Trina.

Professional players Campbell Grayson (50th in the world) and Martin Knight (53rd in the world) will also be competing.

Former New Zealand squash star Dame Susan Devoy's sons will be in action over the weekend, too, playing for their Tauranga-based club - Devoy Squash and Fitness.

Max Trimble, now studying at Waikato University, will be stepping out for Hamilton, while Abbie Palmer will be playing for her North Shore club.

Games will be played between May 29 and June 1 at the Whangarei Squash Club.