Out to make the grade

Having a local presence for the E-grade national championships is foremost in the mind of the Wanganui Squash Club representatives off to Taranaki today.

Beginning this afternoon, the Central Squash District Superchamps are being held in New Plymouth for the next three days, with Wanganui Squash Club having teams in the men's and women's competition.

While men's coach John Roestenburg was keeping his cards close to his chest over their preparations, foremost for the team is qualifying for the national E-grade championships, which will be held in Wanganui on August 21-26.

The men's team contains players who have stepped up to D-grade in recent times Roestenburg coached the D-grade Wanganui team to the nationals last year.

Also in the men's grade are clubs from Ohakune, Palmerston North and Kawaroa Park (New Plymouth).

The women's team, coached by Paul Kenny, have a bit more competition to get through.

River City, Ohakune, Hawera, Palmerston North and Kawaroa Park will all be represented.

The Superchamps continue next weekend and Wanganui have teams in the B, C and D men's grades.

Roestenburg said it is their largest contingent of teams for some time.

Playing this weekend are:

Men: Hamza Ali, Shanan Whitlock, Kevin Sherman, James McKenzie, Wade Coneybeer, Dave Campbell, Vance Wilson.

Women: Laurie Hill, Phillipa Harold, Julie Kenny, Amber Ward, Sharon Grant, Rachael Gallagher, Tracey Corbett.