Better-late-than-never prize-giving for squash

Dundee Squash Club played their annual championships late last year and the prize-giving was delayed due to the fourth wave of Covid-19 hitting the town during late December. The club held its prize-giving recently and would like to thank Jane Adalis from Spar for her continual support of the annual Squash Championships. Once again, Spar sponsored some great prizes. The first prize of the evening was a special George Adalis Memorial Trophy for the ‘Most Improved Player’ over the last year. This trophy, handmade by chairman Walter du Plessis, is a miniature squash court made in honour of George Adalis (who was a very special member of the club). This prize was awarded to the person who has climbed the ladder the most since joining the club, and one name stood out above all the others. Greg Will joined the club in 2021, started off as a number four in his first league, and excelled quickly. He managed to take sixth place on the ladder in the champs and is currently playing as a number one in our BCD League. The second prize went to the biggest stirrer in the club. This guy never keeps his mouth shut and always has something to say about everything. This novelty prize went to Craig Owen. The Saucer final was played between Julian Kriel and Gavin Tuting. In the end, Julian won the match, so well done. B Division champ: This match was an epic battle between one of our newer members and the more experienced Phillip Vlok. Youth won the battle with Phillip as runner-up. Ladies’ third place: The ladies played a round robin with a points system, after which the highest-scoring four ladies were chosen to battle it out for the title of ladies’ champ. Nozipho Hadebe and Nicolette van Rensburg played for third place. Nicolette put in a mammoth effort, but in the end it was Nozipho, a previous club champ, who won the match. Ladies’ champ: The highest-scoring ladies were Natasha du Plessis and Marelie Kelbrick, who played in the ladies’ final. Marelie’s persistent tight shots and movement on the court proved to be too much for Natasha, with Marelie taking the title of ladies’ champion once again. Men’s A division: The men’s A division final was played by Walter du Plessis and Sifiso Kunene. They have played many finals and this was an interesting game to watch. The winner was Walter, who walked away with the title of men’s champion 2021. 2021 was a very successful year for Dundee Squash Club and we are really excited about the number of passionate squash players in our little town. We have over 80 paid-up members and would like to thank each and every person for their support. Walter du Plessis has stepped down as chairman of the club and we would like to wish the following committee members the best of luck for 2022: chairman – Craig Owen; vice – Graham Peddie; treasurer – Helen van Emmerik; secretary – Martinique Vlok; member – Andre Karsten; member – Kyle Kelbrick; member – Ben Strydom; member – Ciaran Feeney.