Annual function at Rodizios
The Gauteng Masters annual mid year function was held at Rodizios in Victory Park on Thursday 5 July. There was a good turnout from all Masters age groups with the good company being complemented by good food and a good dance cabaret. Judging by the bar bills a good time was had by many!
The function included announcement of the teams to compete for Gauteng Masters at IPT in Pretoria in September with 29 Gauteng sides to compete.
For those of you who who missed it – shame! Be there next year!
Dave Short
The annual Dave Short tournament was held in Maritzburg 8-10 June. The tournament was a bit smaller than previous years (about 250 players) and possibly had a better vibe as a result. Organisation by Midlands was, as usual, first class. Gauteng represented by 7 teams competed well. For those of you who like to plan in advance -next year’s tournament will be held weekend 6-8 June 2008.
(Thanks to Gavin Hamilton of Easterns for helping transport our mens B team home after Dennis Bass’ car gave up the ghost somewhere around Warden on the way home)
League
For a number of leagues (those with 10 sides) July sees completion of the Masters league and some of the winners are all but decided. For the rest the battle continues…….In the 8 leagues 7 clubs are currently represented in the no 1 slot with Jeppe currently top in 3rd and 4th league.
Doubles in 8th league has proved a popular introduction and introduction of more doubles in next year’s league is being considered.
IPT in Pretoria In Sept
The BIG tournament of the year is fast approaching – the annual Masters to be held in September in Pretoria this year. Gauteng have an entry of 21 mens and 8 ladies teams competing in the various age group sections from ages 35 to 70.
With what is essentially a “home’ match we have a lot of player participation. We think we’ve got some competitive teams in a lot of the sections. Monty Shotland trophy – we want you!
The Northerns committee are currently working hard to ensure enjoyable participation and are promising a super event.
A reminder to all Gauteng players - please try to wear red and white kit. For those who want mens Gauteng socks at R30 per pair are available.
We’d like to see all the players at the last day of the Parkview Masters (19 August) – a good opportunity for some pre tournament ‘bonding’. For those keen captains out there with no league in August why not arrange a team match against another Gauteng team?
Parkview Masters in August
The Parkview Assore Masters is just around the corner being held 13-19 August with entries closing 3 august. All Masters age groups are invited to compete.
As well as competitive squash, some Pre IPT team bonding and good prizes it provides an opportunity to support Parkview club and management for all their efforts in their development of the centre as 1 of the playing and social hubs of Gauteng squash. Click here to get the entry form.
Doubles
Slightly further ahead the IPT annual doubles is being held in East London in November.
A mini Doubles league over a 5 or 6 week period is being looked at for Sept/Oct – after IPT and before IPT doubles tournament. The aims are to:
- Sharpen skills for those going to East London
- Help in ranking of pairings for east London
- Keep active
- Gauge interest in running more formal masters doubles next year
To enter requires commitment to play for 5 week period (or find substitute!) on Thursday evenings. If you’re interested/keen please submit pairs entries (mixed, mens, ladies or both) to Jan Gilberson at janj3@telkomas.net or Fax 088 011 7873285 as soon as possible but definitely before end August.
And on to the future…..
With an active squash calendar for the rest of the year the Gauteng Masters Annual awards function will be held late Jan/early Feb 2008 (following AGM)
And don’t forget the World Masters in New Zealand next year.
