Parkes Squash was well represented at the Bathurst Open played at Bathurst Panthers recently. Jay Kross (State), Brenton Nightingale (Men's A), Bronte O'Shannessy (Ladies B), Marley O'Shannessy (Ladies C) and Henry Kross (Men's D / Novice) were amongst around 100 competitors to take part in the two day event.
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Jay was successful in winning the State division, going through the weekend only dropping two sets and winning all his matches. In the final he played young gun Haani Qureshi from Sydney and was pushed all the way, winning 3-2. Jay finished third in State last year so was pleased to take the win this year.
Brenton ended up finishing fifth in A grade, with one win and two losses for the weekend.
Bronte O'Shannessy performed very well, qualifying for B grade and going through the rounds undefeated. She had a strong 3-0 win in her semi final to meet Barb Murphy (Bathurst) in the final. Despite a strong performance, Barb came away with the win, 3-1.
Marley O'Shannessy was competing for the first time in the Bathurst event and played well. She only dropped one match in the rounds, and went on to win a hard fought five setter in the semi final against Bathurst's Loretta McClean. Marley won the C grade final against Bathurst Sue O'Connor 3-1. Marley was one of the youngest competitors at only 12 years old.
Henry Kross competed in his first senior tournament and was the youngest to get on court at seven years old. He went through the rounds undefeated and without dropping a set. In the final match he played Montana Fuller from Wyong. Henry got the win 3-1 to take out his first title.
Jay, Bronte and Marley have been offered sponsorship by Stellar Squash and enjoyed using the equipment and representing the brand over the event. Both Bronte and Marley are the current Number 1 players in NSW for their age group, whilst Jay is ranked sixth overall for Country NSW, and Brenton is ranked 12th and Henry is Number 4 for Under 11's in NSW.
The event was co-ordinated by Dave Fuller and attracts some quality players to the country. The Men's Open was contested and won by Matt 'Killer' Kawalski, a former Commonwealth Games Gold medallist against Jeff Bond - World Masters Champion.
Parkes Squash is gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year, The Parkes Services Doubles on November 18-19. This is growing each year and is one of the state's biggest. Last year over 70 pairs competed and this year is looking to be even bigger.
