Masterful squash hosts

Balls to the wall by more than 200 squash masters from across the motu at the largest event catered for by the spruced-up Nelson Squash Club, with assistance from its Waimea partner.

The G.J. Gardner Homes New Zealand Masters Individual and District Teams Championships for 2025 served up between 17 and 21 October, with players aged from 35 to 80 plus.

Nelson Squash Club president Chris McCarthy lauded his club members, the local sponsors and Waimea Squash Club for contributing to the monumental event with a fresh paint, new digital scoring and hot water systems, and carpeting in the main common areas.

He says the club’s very own Di Connolly was “absolutely rapt’ to squash her opponents’ chances of taking the crown in the 75 age category.

Among the other 45 locals who podiumed were Motueka Squash Club’s Nick Wiffen, the seventh seed in a pod of eight who went on to be a beaten finalist in the 50 age group, and Waimea Squash Club’s Nick Burns, who claimed third in the 40s.