27/05/2026
Round 5 at Henderson! Here's the goods:
In the Henderson v North Shore match up, first on was Apa Fatialofa against North Shore legend Sion Wiggin. Apa was retrieving everything and using his trademark holds to great effect, even taking a 2-1 lead — plus fitting in at least one shirt change along the way. Sion, always tough and always in the match, fought back to take it in five.
Next on was Henderson’s newest Division 1 player Benji against Sean Hilson, who is still working through an ankle injury. Benji showed plenty of classy touches and continues to improve each week, but Sean’s experience helped him secure the match 3-0.
Leo then took on Chi Ho in some entertaining rallies. After three straight weeks of Interclub, Leo looked to be finding some of the form he showed at last year’s Cousins, taking the match in three.
The final match saw Jordan and Surya battle it out. Jordan usually does the diving himself, but this time had Surya playing Superman around the court while he controlled the first two sets. Surya jumped out to a 10-5 lead in the third before Jordan stormed back to steal it 12-10.
Papakura & Remuera felt like a short night this week with 3 matches on the card. First seeds Michael won in 3 against Nic Waanders but plenty of high quality squash and great to watch.
Semo won a well fought 5 setter against Campbell Dunwoodie with plenty of lung buster rallies, plenty of signature Semo holds & frames.
Charles & Brian was a big battle, going neck and neck. Brian saved 3 match points in the 4th to take it to 5. In the end, Charles closed out a very close 12-10 in the fifth victory.
Royal Oak & Browns Bay graced the big show court in the middle for a packed Henderson to witness.
In what could be his debut at the 1 seed, Dan O'Connor took on Ross Jowsey. A fun game was had, Ross too strong taking this one in 3.
Calum and Paul featured a lot of dying length with Paul volleying the loose returns he earned throughout, taking it in a competitive 3 setter.
Marc Bush unphased by Christians power play, having teammates in Paul & Foxcroft who pummel the ball in their own right. A convincing win for Bushy.
Rohan improving week by week, having his squash pushed to new levels, snuck the first game against Mark Foxcroft, before Foxcroft took control, experience too strong for the young acorn. Rohan claiming the oaks singular pennant point on this occasion.
Last and sometimes least, was Eden Epsom & T**irangi. Two teams vying for a top 4 seed.
The day started with Tarin (Cauliflower) pulling out of the bout, due to not knowing when his flight was. Stuart jumping in to field the full team.
On court first was Michael Blanchard and Mitchell White. A quintessential long and short game, found both players hitting stunning length and fine drops. A beautiful match to observe & Mitch hitting a few timely winners to claim the match.
Next up Riley & Connor. This match had it all, Connor serving into the floor, missed cross court nicks, straight drives down the middle, and even some good squash. New Zealand's best squash players, normally one thinks of Paul Coll & Elijah Thomas amongst others - I would like to add 'game ball down Riley McCracken' to that list. Game ball down, it's a beautiful rally from Riley. Next rally, not so much. Back to game ball down and a beautiful rally. It's truly something. Riley not allowing Connor to sneak a game, taking this one in 3.
Fraser & Harrison had a battle, and a classic come back story. Fraser taking the first two games, before Harry came back strong, picking up the intensity and finding some great length to compete the comeback, taking this one in 5.
Last one featured Juls Conder & Stu Martin. A tight first game with scrappy length, plenty of kill shots and Juls signature around the world let calls. Stuart able to take the 2nd and 3rd a bit more comfortably, with some effective holds to take the win.
No squash next week as most of the lads will be found down in Christchurch for Cousins Shield. Good luck to all our Auckland teams involved in Cousins & Mitchell.
