What a week it’s been for our Central Masters! The 2025 NZ Masters Championships wrapped up in Nelson after a huge week of squash, camaraderie, and plenty of competitive spirit — and our Central players did us proud across both the Individuals and Teams events.
Individual Championships
The week kicked off with the Individual Championships, where players from all around the country battled it out for national titles across the age groups. Central had a strong contingent taking the courts and showing that age definitely doesn’t slow our players down!
A huge congratulations to Matt Nation, who was crowned Men’s 35+ Champion, taking home the national title after a string of impressive performances. Janice Travathan also stood out, finishing runner-up in the Women’s 70+, proving that experience and determination go hand in hand.
Beyond the results, it was great to see so many familiar Central faces competing, supporting each other, and showcasing the strength and spirit of our Masters community.
Teams Event
Once the individual titles were decided, the focus shifted to the Teams Event, where districts went head-to-head for bragging rights and silverware. Central, seeded 8th, battled hard across the rounds against tough opposition — including Otago, Northland, and Wellington.
Every match brought tight rallies and spirited play, with plenty of lessons learned along the way. The team gave it everything and represented Central with pride, grit, and great sportsmanship.
One of the standout highlights of the entire tournament came in the very first round, when Julie Berry delivered what could only be described as the game of the week. In the third game of her match, the scoreline just kept climbing as the two players traded point for point — all the way to 21/19. The tension was electric, and the cheering from outside the court was deafening, yet both players were so locked in that they didn’t even realise the game had finished! In Julie’s own words: “I was standing in the service box thinking, I wish everyone would shush so I can serve.”
Moments like that summed up the week perfectly — fierce competition mixed with good humour and great sportsmanship.
The event wrapped up with some fantastic final rounds and plenty of laughs off court — a true reflection of what Masters squash is all about.
A Week to Remember
The NZ Masters is always more than just a tournament — it’s a celebration of squash, friendship, and the love of the game. From early morning warm-ups to late-night matches and post-game catch-ups, the week in Nelson was filled with energy, laughter, and Central pride.
A massive thank you to all the players, managers, and supporters who made the trip, and to the organisers and volunteers who helped deliver another top-notch national event.
We’re already counting down to next year — and after this week’s performances, there’s no doubt Central Masters will be back even stronger!
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