The New Zealand Secondary Schools was held over the weekend at Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre, Mount Squash Club, and Te Puke Squash Club in Western BOP. This was the third year in a row the clubs have hosted this massive event which is a favourite for many junior players. This year nearly 300 players from 52 teams descended on the region from all around the country.
Going into the competition as top seeds, Tauranga Boys College were looking to get back to the glory days when they won three consecutive titles from 2012-2014. Led by one of the top NZ juniors Joe Smythe, the team saw off some tough matches to finish on top and re-claim the gold for the school.
In the Girls, Otumoetai were pleased to be able to enter their first ever team in the competition. All players are members of Devoy Squash, and the team included two sets of sisters to make it a real family affair. After a huge effort all weekend, it came down to the last match in the final with the teams locked at 2-2. An epic final match saw Genevieve Kennerly seal it for the school, taking home the gold in their first attempt.
A fantastic result for the Bay, with two titles. The other BOP schools to compete were Taupo nui-a-tia, Katikati College, Aquinas College, Papamoa College
