SQUASH RACKETS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28629, 4 July 1958, Page 5

SQUASH RACKETS

Increase In Popularity Further evidence of the increase in popularity of squash rackets in Christchurch has been given tn recent weeks, when inter-club comoetitions were begun for the first time in the city The inter-club competition has attracted entries from six four-man teams, these being from Christchurch (2), Christ’s College, Wigram, Junior Chamber and Officers’ Club. Matches in this grade are being played fortnightly. The third Canterbury provincial championships, will be played in Christchurch on August 2 and 3 There will be three grades, with 16 players in each, with flights ’n each grade for players eliminated in the first round. An official of the Christchurch club, which is organising the championships, said yesterday that up to 12 of the best players from Timaru and Oamaru are expected to compete in Christchurch that week-end. Among those expected to participate is F N. Coe. the present holder of the Canterbury title Coe, from Timaru. has been runner-up for the New Zealand title for the last three seasons. P. Mackenzie, of Oamaru. who was beaten by Coe in the final last year, may also compete. Mackenzie is the present national junior champion. ' National Competition Three teams from Christchurch, representing the Christchurch. Wigram and Junior Chamber clubs, will compete in the South Island section of the national inter-club Cousins Shield competition This will be held in Timaru on July 19 and 20. Other clubs competing will be Invercargill, Dunedin, Oamaru and Timaru. The winning team from this five-man knock-out competition will play the winner of the North Island section during the national championships, which will be held in Oamaru from September 6 to 9 A highlight of the season in Christchurc h will be the appearance of the Australian team on September 11. This team, which will Blay in seven centres throughout the dominion, will compete in the national championships during its tour The New Zealand Squash Rackets Association has invited nominations from players of Cousins Shield standard who are prepared to pay their own travelling expenses to play in Christchurch against the visitors. Several local players are thought to be capable of "gaining inclusion in the team, the selection of which will be to some extent based upon the results of the coming tournament in Timaru.