June 2017 Newsletter

• President's Ramble
• Tennis News
• Squash News
• Important dates for your diary

President's Ramble

Club Firsts!
I have often reported on the achievements of our elite junior boys squash players, and in particular, Matthew Lucente. Last month I reported on his achievements at the Oceania Junior Squash champs, where he won the Boys U17 title.

On his way to winning this title, Matthew also became the first Belmont player ever to reach A1 grade.

This is a fantastic achievement for any squash player, let alone someone so young. In reaching 4,000 points, he has also become the highest graded junior boy in NZ, and broken into the top 20 male players in NZ; professionals included! Many congratulations Matthew on this achievement.

To cap this story off, Matthew and Gabe Yam have just been selected to represent NZ at the World Junior Squash champs in Tauranga in July – congrats boys on your selection.

Cousins Shield and Mitchell Cup Teams
Also for the first time ever, Belmont will field men’s and women’s teams in the Cousins Shield and Mitchell Cup at Queen’s Birthday weekend at Herne Bay. These trophies are the pinnacle in club squash in NZ, so it is fantastic that we can field teams in both events.

A huge thank you to Kingdom Decorators for their generous sponsorship of these teams – Kingdom Decorators has joined our family of sponsors, with a focus on supporting squash at the club, and juniors in particular. Many thanks Ross for your continued support of our club.

The draws have just been released and the women’s team start on Friday at 1pm, playing Remuera, and the men start on Friday at 5pm playing Lugton Park – both matches are at North Shore Squash Club (North Shore are now co-hosting).

The Club App
The club App is going to become our primary means of communicating to everyone. Our ability to use this tool is only possible due to sponsors getting on board and supporting us. An example is Dixie Browns restaurant in Devonport – one of the App sponsors. Until 30 June they are running a GrabOne deal of $79 for a 2-course meal for 2, incl 2 drinks. If you show their coupon on our App, you can get this deal without purchasing it from GrabOne. An incredible deal!

Just go to the App Store online and look for Belmont Racquets Club. The App is free for all members

Tennis News

Club champs
The 2016/17 season is finally over. Congrats to the 2017 junior and senior club champs winners, and in particular Luke Bodle for retaining his senior men's singles and doubles titles, and adding the mixed doubles title to his collection.

The results were as follows:

Thanks to everyone who helped over the season – especially our junior team managers. And what amazing turnouts at our senior and junior prizegivings! Over 150 attendees for both events.

Midweek social mixed doubles
On Thursday 25 May, the club started a social mixed doubles bash from 7pm until 9pm. Like our Sunday afternoon social format, 4 courts were in use on a perfect night for winter tennis. This is a great excuse to drag along some new, old, former players into the club who are too busy in the weekends but are after a regular social hit once a week, that could lead them to more!

These evenings will run every Thursday through to September, so come on down and enjoy a run around. (Many thanks, Aaron for helping to get this underway.)

Squash News

Huge Participation!
While Belmont didn't win any medals at the Squash World Masters, we certainly excelled at participation – Belmont would have been amongst the most represented clubs at the Tournament. This was made somewhat easy with North Shore the venue!

We had around 10 entrants in the individual tournament and 3 teams (with up to 5 players in each) in the Open and Recreational sections: Belmont Parkers, Belmont Bashers and Pete & the Belmonties.

Ironically it was the Belmont Parkers and the Belmont Bashers who fought it out in the 45-55 yrs plate. The Parkers won in well fought games, though they did import one of their players from Australia (our own Peter Pyc). Belmont squash was the winner overall.

A lot of fun was had and no one can take away our World Masters ‘Athlete’ IDs.

Ladies DEF Tourney – Season 3
For the 3rd year running Belmont put the call out to women in squash to 'Frock Up' for a Ladies D,E,F Squash Tourney in early May. The aim of the tournament is to encourage women of a 'certain age' to try a squash tournament in a fun, friendly, supportive environment. Typically these women have been on the side-lines supporting their children's sport pursuits. This tourney encourages women over 19 yrs to experience a tourney without the pressure of competing against and marking men, high graded women and hard hitting teenagers – which can be terrifying.

We had a strong turnout with 24 entrants. The feedback was extremely positive, as were the comments about the renovations to the squash lounge! The heat pump and new furniture were well received. If you haven't roamed upstairs – take a look!

Ladies squash was the winner of the tourney – but special mention should go to:
Div 1 Special Plate winner: Cath Hinds and Plate Winner Gabriel Pyc
Div 3 Winner Mary Shelley and Runner-up Dayle Candy

A huge thanks to the fantastic team of Belmont squash ladies who frocked up to play, host and score. Special thanks to our own squashie, Dayle Candy of Harcourts who volunteered as the tourney sponsor, providing prizes.

And remember, for any seniors keen for a social hit, senior squash club night is every Thursday from 7.30pm.

Important Dates for Your Diary

www.mysquashcoach.nz

For all squash coaching/enquiries:

Manu 021 886 583
manu@mysquashcoach.nz

www.smashtennis.nz

For all tennis coaching/enquiries:
Cathy on 0274 276 274 (0274 2SMASH)
cathy@smashtennis.nz

And of course, a very big thanks to the following organisations who continue to give very generous support to the Club.