HBHS Squash Nationals Results

The 17th to the 19th of August heralded the start of our squash Nationals campaign over in Tauranga, using the brand new Susan Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre and several other venues. Taking a relatively young squad of six players gave us an opportunity to help build the experience levels of the team for future years, but also meant that we struggled to improve upon our initial seeding.

The team ended up placing 16th overall in the country and there were some very evenly placed teams in the top ten and within the next ten teams also. Ben Calvert from Year 13 went through undefeated in the number 1 spot, played some outstanding matches and ended up beating the number one-ranked schoolboy in the country, going through the tournament.

Being one of only four A2 Squash players in the tournament, Ben showed his composure and skill in beating Chris Van Der Salm from Christchurch Boys’ High School in three hard-fought sets.  This saw Ben named in the tournament team travelling to Australia to play the inaugural NZ vs. Australian states challenge in a couple of weeks. To top off his fifth and final tournament Ben was also named one of two Fair Play Award winners for the boys across the 200 odd male players. 

I would like to extend my congratulations to Ben and the rest of the team for the fine manner in which they represented themselves and the school.

Simon Devitt, Teacher in Charge of Squash