Rupert squash players had smashing success at Smithers’ Rusty Elbows Tournament.
Richard Haley, Rory Touchet, Lee Beal, Andy Cook, Ray Pedersen and Robyn Betrand made up the six player contingent from the Prince Rupert Racquet Centre who competed in the 31-player tournament held Nov. 24-26.
“It was great, they treated us very nicely when we were up there,” said Beal. “It’s a really nice group of people in the squash community to play with.”
Haley won the men’s “A” event final, winning every game along the way, and beating Terrace’s Steve Hawyes 3-0 in the final. Beal won the “B” event final, beating Matt Kalina 3-0 in the semi-finals and Zach Blanche in the 3-0 in the finals.
READ MORE: Richard Haley is squashing the competition
Beal said Prince Rupert’s players love making the trip to meet and play against fellow squash enthusiasts in northern B.C., adding that while the games were competitive, all participants maintained a high level of sportsmanship.
“That’s the beautiful thing about our group that plays in these tournaments,” he said. “Although you play to win, there’s a lot of squash camaraderie. It’s a really good group of people.”
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The centre will now focus its attention on the annual “Feel the Love” tournament, which takes place every February in Prince Rupert. Beal said the tournament drew 61 players last year, and he is hoping for a similar turnout this year.
matthew.allen@thenorthernview.com
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