Squash: Kawaroa Park enjoy two titles

Photo: Kawaroa's Sam Watson, Jack Shearer, Tom McDonald, Rory Mortleman, Toby Freyria and Jerome Salle won the national B grade championships. 

Kawaroa Park Squash Club is celebrating double glory after both its men’s and women’s teams were crowned national champions at the Super Champs finals over the weekend.

B Grade Men triumph in Timaru

The men’s B Grade side battled through a tight competition in Timaru, finishing second in pool play before toppling the opposite pool’s winners to book a place in the final.

The decider went down to the wire, with Sam Watson holding his nerve to clinch a 3–1 victory in the last match and secure the national title. Teammates Rory Mortleman and Jack Shearer were also recognised for recently qualifying as A Grade players — a significant milestone in New Zealand squash.

C Grade Women prevail in Dunedin

Meanwhile, the women’s C Grade team impressed in Dunedin, dominating their pool before surviving a tense 3–2 semifinal. The final produced another thriller.

Locked at one match apiece, Kylie Cronin fought back from four match balls down to win in five sets, keeping Kawaroa Park’s title hopes alive.

With the tie level at 2–2, Anna Stokes delivered under immense pressure, taking her match 3–1 to seal the championship.

Club pride across the board

The dual titles mark a historic weekend for Kawaroa Park, with both teams returning to New Plymouth as national champions. Club members praised the commitment of their players, coaches, and supporters, calling it a proud moment that highlights the strength of the Kawaroa Park squash community.