New Zealand’s elite squash players are in Cambridge for the country’s prestigious three day national squash tournament starting tomorrow (Friday).
Cambridge Squash Club’s Jordan Herewini will play in the Mitchell Cup event.
The Cousins Shield for men, first played in 1948, and the Mitchell Cup for women, which started 10 years later, are the sport’s premier club team events.
Vying for it at Cambridge and Leamington squash clubs are 220 A grade players including last year’s winners Devoy Squash and Fitness from Tauranga and Henderson who won their titles at Hawke’s Bay Squash Club in Napier.
Cambridge players competing in a Waikato bonus team are Ezra Murray, Rebecca Rouse, Shelby Garrett, Jordan Herewini, Jayden Turton and Scott Calder.
Calder, Garrett and Herewini have been playing since juniors while Murray and Rouse discovered the sport in their 20s and 30s and have quickly flown through the ranks. Turton joined Cambridge from Rotorua last year.
Herewini’s return to the top flight comes after an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2017 saw her withdraw from the sport until her return last year.
She started playing squash in 2007 because her parents Deano and Lisa played and competed successfully as a junior while at St Peter’s School and then in London.
It is the first time Cambridge has hosted the tournament which top players Bruce Brownlee, Susan Devoy, Leilani Rorani, Paul Coll, Ross Norman and Cambridge’s own Joelle King have all competed in over the years.
Cambridge Racquets Club earned hosting rights due to its programme growth and vibrant activities, the strong volunteer culture, its professionalism, and recent accolades.
Across town rivals Leamington Squash Club will support Cambridge and are sharing courts and resources as well as hosting some of the matches.
Cambridge chair Carli van Zyl said it was a huge honour for the club, which was founded in 1885 as a lawn tennis club, which last year was named Waikato Squash club of the year.
“To be chosen reflects the progress we’ve made in growing our programmes and investing in our facilities.
“With so many visitors coming through our doors, we’re excited about the financial boost this will bring to support the major club renovation we are undertaking,” she said.
The club, which is fundraising for a major facility renovation, will open its doors so the public can watch the best squash for free. The event will finish with A Night at the Races celebration.
Hosting the event is also expected to bring a welcome boost to local businesses, with players, supporters, and officials filling cafes, accommodation, and shops throughout the long weekend.
“Let’s extend a true Cambridge welcome to all our visitors,” said van Zyl.
Cambridge Squash Club’s Jordan Herewini will play in the Mitchell Cup event.
