Geyser wins national squash title

Geyser City's Tracey Patterson (Manager, left), Samantha Moore, Kiara Dudson, Shaylee Creighton, Monique Erickson, Cherie Lang, McKenzie Birch, Pae Teka, and Stacey Smith (Coach). Photo / Supplied

Geyser City Squash Club has won its first SuperChamps National title in 13 years.

Geyser's E Grade women's team produced the goods in a landslide victory at Burnside Squash Club in Christchurch last week.

SuperChamps Nationals is a graded team event. Each team comprises five players of the same gender, from the same club. The Geyser City E Grade Ladies team won the Bay of Plenty District SuperChamps in early August and the chance to compete at the National SuperChamps event.

Coach Stacey Smith said: "The team of ladies came up against the best E Grade teams in New Zealand during the four-day event, and they each displayed impeccable sportsmanship and ability, winning 24 out of the 25 matches."

Each of the players improved their grading with Monique Erickson and Shaylee Creighton sitting comfortably in D1, Kiara Dudson and McKenzie Birch now in D2, Cherie Lang and Pae Teka moving through to E1, and Samantha Moore securing a position in E2.

Geyser City Squash also had its B Grade Ladies team playing at the National SuperChamps and they fought hard securing third place in the national competition hosted by Kawaroa Park Squash Club in New Plymouth.

Club president Steve Sparks said: "We have a strong junior development squad in the club and this has strengthened our position in the Bay of Plenty and meant that we are now more competitive presence nationally.

"Our juniors are inspired by the international success of Amanda Landers-Murphy and are well supported by the clubs elite coaching team; Wayne Johnson, Paul Bedford, Cheryl Te Kani-McQueen and Danny McQueen.

"Having two ladies' teams competing at this national event is huge for the club and for the future of women's squash in the Bay."