2023 Gippsland Lakes Classic Racquetball Tournament

The last racquetball tournament for 2023 was the second Gippsland Lakes Classic, which was held at the Squash and Table Tennis Centre, Bairnsdale on 10^th – 12^th November. We had great numbers once again with 68 singles (62 last year) and 56 doubles entries (same last year). Once again there was great local support for the tournament and a huge contingent of 15 players from Albury/Wodonga, many sporting their new, stylish Wodonga Club t-shirts.  After a steamy 32 degree Saturday which made for a lot of sweating and long rallies with the bouncy balls, the weather was a bit milder on the Sunday. We had a fantastic Saturday Night function at the Wy Yung pub with 77 people in attendance and great food on hand. Also would like to congratulate the tournament committee from the Bairnsdale Squash and Racquetball club, to get good numbers in tournaments takes good lobbying by committed club members, so special mention to Hannah Leonti, Cain Lestrange, Kass OKelly and Carl Freshwater for preparation and support during the tournament.

The Men’s Open was won by Cam White over Steve Andrewartha, who made sure Cam earned the title, playing some great length, which provided many long rallies.  The Women’s Open was taken out Judy Kool over daughter Haley Henderson, who showed some good form after a long absence from racquetball, we hope to see more of her. The Open doubles was won by Steve Andrewartha and Daniel Wright (playing his 1^st racquetball tournament) over Cam White and Tim Paramore in a highly entertaining match which went down to the wire at 21 all in the 3^rd, where Cam uncharacteristically hit the tin going for a dead nick smash 😊.  Hope to see more of Daniel in the future!