Barrie Matthews, formerly of Canterbury, but now of Central Districts, took the men’s open title at the Naturally New Zealand squash tournament organised by the High School Old Boys club at the weekend.
It took him just 31 minutes to beat Craig Hibbert in the final.
The women’s title was won by Joanne Milne. She gave a hard-hitting display to beat Kathy Hargreaves in the final.
Matthews looked sharp in all his matches. He played high to a good length and when the openings presented themselves he was quick to hit pacy winning drives or boasts.
In his semi-final against Chris Wasley, Matthews made exceptionally few errors, keeping Wasley in the back of the court for the greater part of the game.
In the other semi-final Hibbert proved superior to his club mate, Robbie Burnett. After dropping the first game Hibbert took the next three, losing only five points.
The final began at a frantic pace. Both men moved very quickly with Hibbert seemingly prepared to throw himself all over the court, if necessary, in order to keep the ball in play.
The score mounted evenly to 7-1ll before Matthews took the first game 9-7 after a couple of Hibbert errors.
Matthews moved quickly to 4-0 in the second and then after a particularly hectic rally, Hibbert appeared to be favouring a leg injury.
Although there were many fine rallies thereafter, it was obvious Matthews was in control of the match.
Jacqui James, in here semi-final against Miss Milne, had two game points and served out of court both times.
That first game was a good one with both women hitting powerfully and accurately.
Mrs Hargreaves made it through to the final by the skin of her teeth. In the quarters she had to come from 3-7 down in the fifth and survive two match balls against the youthful West Coaster, Adele Ellery, who is moving to Christchurch next month.
Miss Milne was in command throughout the final. Mrs Hargreaves produced some excellent boasts and drops, but had to stand by at times and see some better ones returned with interest by the very fast and fit Miss Milne.
Results:
MEN
Open
Quarter-finals. L. Skurr beat G. Monk 3-9, 9-7, 9-6, 9-7; C. Hibbert beat R. Burnett 3-9, 9-4, 9-1, 9-0; C. Wasley beat D. Preston 8-10, 5-9, 9-3, 9-0, 9-4; B. Matthews beat L. Sparks 9-3, 4-9, 9-4, 9-3.
Semi-finals. Hibbert beat Skurr 10-9, 10-9, 9-4;Matthews beat Wasley 9-0, 9-5, 9-6.
Final. Matthews beat Hibbert 9-7, 9-2, 9-5.
Playoff for third. Skurr beat Wasley 9-6, 9-3, 6-9, 9-0.
Division 1
Quarter-finals. A Purves beat S. Green 10-8, 6-9, 9-5, 9-4. J. Hampton beat C. Cantwell 5-9, 9-6, 9-3, 9-2; S. Doak beat G. Armishaw 9-6, 9-3, 9-3; F. Williams beat C. Thompson 8-10, 8-10, 9-3, 9-2, 9-2.
Semi-finals. Purves beat Hampton 9-10, 9-3, 4-9, 9-5, 9-4; Doak beat Williams 2-9, 9-7, 9-0, 10-9.
Final. Purves beat Doak 5-9, 10-8, 9-6, 9-6.
WOMEN
Open
Quarter-finals. J. Milne beat S. Wasley 9-0, 9-5, 9-7; J. James beat M. Holland 9-3, 4-9, 10-8, 9-4; C. Oakley beat K. Carpinter 9-10, 9-5, 9-7, 9-2; K. Hargreaves beat A. Ellery 9-0, 7-9, 6-9, 9-0, 10-8.
Semi-finals. Milne beat James 10-8, 9-6, 9-1; Hargreaves beat Oakley 9-2, 9-6, 9-4.
Final. Milne beat Hargreaves 9-0, 9-2, 9-5.
Playoff for third. James beat Oakley 6-9, 9-5, 9-6, 9-3.
Division 1
Quarter-finals. W. Thompson beat J. Marriott 9-1, 9-5, 10-9. H. Lyon beat J. Adams 9-7, 9-1, 9-3; J. Douglas beat J. Little 9-7, 1-9, 9-5, 6-9, 9-2; K. Gilray beat S. Robson 9-6, 9-6, 9-4.
Semi-finals. Lyons beat Thompson 1-9, 9-7, 9-5, 9-1; Gilray beat Douglas 9-1, 9-2, 9-1.
Final. Lyons beat Gilray 9-3, 9-7, 9-4.
