The NSW state championships was a challenge for the Nambucca youngsters, but clearly pointed to a bright future for these local players.

Vanessa Chapman is a regular traveller to squash tournaments, and has been rewarded with selection in the NSW Combined High Schools Open Squash Team.

This is a huge honour for Vanessa, who is following in the footsteps of many former Nambucca juniors who have represented their state.

Two other juniors starting out on their tournament journey are Josh Fitzgerald and Zac Hocking, who competed in their first NSW State Championships.

Both boys had successful tournaments. Josh finished in eighth position, after he was knocked out by the eventual winner of the state championship.

Zac also had a taste of success but found some of the top-order boys in his division just a little too strong.

This was a valuable learning experience for both boys, who have benefited enormously from our local junior squash program.

We expect to see their names climb the State rankings over the next 12 months.

On the coaching scene Grant Gough has been appointed assistant coach of the Australian junior men’s team, which recently travelled to the city of Quito in Ecuador for the world junior championships.

The Australian team is playing off for ninth position at the time of writing this report. It should be noted that the recently selected Commonwealth Games team is filled with former members of the Australian junior team.

Grant’s role therefore puts him in a position to influence the game of squash at a national level for many years to come.

This is an enormous honour and the Nambucca Valley should be very proud of Grant’s coaching achievements.

Nambucca Squash Club’s Winter Competition is drawing to a close, with all players looking forward to the new semi-final format.

The competition thus far has been very tight and the finals series is shaping up as a close tussle.