WBHS Premier Squash vs Auckland Grammar School
Westlake Boys Premier Squash team remained unbeaten throughout the season when it defeated Auckland Grammar School in the final round of the Premier Team’s weekly competition. The team composed of Matthew Lucente, Gabe Yam, Stuart Martin and Zonal Ali were all impressive, winning their matches in straight games. The win in the final round means that the Premier Team’s title safely remains with Westlake Boys High School.
This serves the team in good stead as they travel to Palmerston North over the weekend for the Secondary Schools Squash Nationals. The team members strong showing all season has been rewarded by being awarded the top seed for this competition. They will have to overcome the challenge from Tauranga Boys High College, who have been the reigning champions for the last three years.
Squash Success
Premier Squash team members Rafa Yam, Matthew Lucente and Gabe Yam reaped success at the North Island Age Group Championships in Wellington during the last weekend of the school holidays. This is one of New Zealand’s largest Squash tournaments for juniors with participants numbering to 175 players from both the North and South Islands. Coming from a runner-up finish at last week’s South Island Age Group Championships in Blenheim, Rafa came back stronger to capture the Boys Under 17 title in Wellington and stayed true to his New Zealand number 1 ranking in his age division. 15 year old Matthew Lucente, playing in his first year in the U17 age group, proved he can challenge the older boys with his impressive win in the playoffs for third place.
New Zealand Under 15 number 1, Gabe Yam, was too strong and unchallenged in the Boys U15 division, winning the title without dropping a single game throughout the tournament.
Rafa, Matthew and Gabe along with the rest of the team now shift their focus towards the Secondary Schools Nationals in August to be held in Palmerston North.
Rafa Yam:
South Island Age Group- Boys U17 Runner Up
North Island Age Group Boys U17 – Champion
Matthew Lucente:
North Island Age Group Boys U17 – 3rd Place
Gabe Yam:
North Island Age Group Boys U15 – Champion