Mackay Squash Club Hosts Junior Tournament

Mackay squash club Squash 52 played host to the Northern Region Redbacks selection tournament last weekend.

As well as local players, participants flocked from Cairns, Ingham, and Townsville to take part in the two-day event.

Competitors ranged from beginners to advanced with everyone giving it their all.

Five divisions were played throughout the weekend, with local competitors placing in three of them.

Local star Preston Currie took out first place in Division 4.

Club coach Glenn Howarth was pleased with the tournament despite trying circumstances.

“(The tournament was) pretty good considering everything at the moment with Covid and people travelling,” Glenn said.

“We had 30 juniors playing from Mackay, Cairns, Townsville, and Ingham.

“It was a pretty good standard.

“On the whole, I think it was pretty successful. They had a good weekend, had fun, and had a few good matches.”

Glenn is excited to see what the future holds for Mackay’s next squash stars and urges kids to come and have a hit.

“Our kids are still learning and building their skills,” he said.

“Preston’s doing pretty well. He’s advancing. He won the division four.

“Everyone’s welcome,” Glenn prompts.

“It’s open and they can come down on a Monday or a Tuesday afternoon and give it a go.”

To be eligible for selection for the Northern Region Redbacks team, players must attend three of the four tournaments on the Northern Region calendar.

Following tournaments in Ingham and Mackay, the next tournament will take place in Cairns next month, with a compulsory tournament in Townsville to follow.

Following squad selection, the Northern Region Redbacks will compete at the Queensland Junior Championships, taking place on the Gold Coast later in the year.

Mackay will once again host the Northern Regions Redbacks tournament on March 4 and 5 in 2023.

Locals Kayce Hoani-Vincent and Sarah Brazier with visiting junior from Cairns Chloe Baxter

Mackay’s own Matt Brazier with Squash 52 owner Ben Courtice

Locals Angus and Rachel Strang

Mackay juniors Sophie Jackson and Harry Van Den Linden ready for a hit

Mackay juniors Charli and Harry Van Den Linden show off their certificates

Division 1 placeholders - 1st Josh Porter (Cairns), 2nd Matt Brazier (Mackay), and 3rd Lachlan Erba (Ingham)

Division 4 placeholders - 1st Preston Currie (Mackay), 2nd Toby Trewern (Cairns), and 3rd Angus Strang (Mackay)

Division 2 placeholders - 1st Liam Fascetti (Ingham), 2nd Kayce Hoani-Vincent (Mackay), and 3rd Hannah O’Toole (Townsville). Photos supplied: Kirsty Hoani

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