Four Katikati Squash Juniors were in teams that recently qualified to represent the Bay of Plenty region at National tournaments held 21-25 September throughout New Zealand.

 The District and National Super Champs events are played to identify the strongest club in the country for each grade. Teams are composed of five players per club that are in the same grade (B, C, D, E and F for both men and women).

Ciel Butler was a member of the Katikati Squash Club F grade ladies team, whilst Glenn Templeton (B grade men), Ashleigh Templeton (D grade women) and Cole Clement (E grade men) were all members of Devoy Squash and Fitness teams that won their regional tournaments in July.

Cole's E grade team travelled to Invercargill and were the only all junior team in their competition. They have been training together since April and were ready to fight hard for this title. They were up for a tough battle being ranked 5th in a field of 8.

The boys all played their hearts out, and won 21 of their 25 matches. Cole did not drop a match the whole tournament despite carrying a knee injury that almost ruled him out of playing. The boys faced an epic battle against Gisborne in a heart stopping final, which included Drew taking a racket to the mouth! Their Coach Mike Owen and Manager Helen Gould maintained a cool demeanour and guided and encouraged the team to out-play and out-run their opponents to finally win 3/2. The boys left everything on the court and the team are ecstatic to return the trophy home to the Bay as the 2016 National E Grade Men’s Team Championship Winners!

These boys truly reflect what hard work, commitment and teamwork can achieve.