FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL CLUB MEMBERS AND DISPLAY ON CLUB NOTICE BOARDS PLEASE!!
Your committee, as elected at the Annual General Meeting in January, are committed to working hard to provide the Midlands Squash fraternity with a wide range of squash events. We have a full calendar planned for this year and 2016 promises to be another great year for Midlands Squash. I trust that, with your continued support of our events, we will be able to improve and make 2016 another great year.
 
I am pleased to announce that Profile Property has agreed to be our Winter League sponsor for this year. I am really thrilled to have Profile Property in our court as our sponsor, and on behalf of everyone in Midlands Squash I would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Garth Ware of Profile Property for his generous support of squash. We look forward to an association that we trust will be mutually beneficial and will give Profile Property the exposure they deserve.
 
At the beginning of this year we re-vamped our website. I am sure you will all agree that the new look is clean, vibrant and refreshing, but above all, the information is up to date and informative. Rennisha will be maintaining our website and posting all the latest information so please kindly check it out from time to time. The website address is www.midlandssquash.co.za
Thank you Rennisha.
 
SQUASH SA REGISTRATION
All players wanting to play in any league or tournament are required to register with Squash SA at the cost of R120.00 per annum. How to register and pay has been circulated to all Midlands players, and hopefully you have all done the necessary. If you have not registered, you will not be captured on the system and therefore your results will not stand.
If you are not sure how to register let Rennisha know and she will assist you.
 
REPS MEETING
This was held on Monday the 15th February 2016. We have 94 teams in total. All the leagues are full, with the exception of Men’s 3rd and 8th leagues and Ladies A League. Leagues will enjoy 18 matches - 9 home and 9 away fixtures throughout the season. Results will be updated on SportyHQ, but captains are requested to continue to complete scorecards, which must be kept in case of a query, at which time the scorecard will need to be sent to the MSU office.
 
LADDER TOURNAMENT
This is for the top 16 men and ladies players in the Midlands and is an opportunity to sort out the ladder positions for 2016.
The tournament starts on Monday 14th March and matches will be played every night until the final, which will be held on the 17th March at the Collegians Squash complex.
The draws will be distributed on the MSU database. Come down to Collegians to support the players and to see some great squash.
 
 
REALISE ACADEMIES MIDLANDS CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIPS
This will be held from Monday, 16th May to Friday, 20th May 2016 at various squash courts in PMB. There is no league during this week so why not enter and play – winners and runner ups will receive a cash prize. Depending on the number of entries, there will be men’s A, B, C and D sections and ladies A & B sections. The entry fee is still to be finalised but you are guaranteed at least 3 games during that week and all the runners up and plate finals will be played at Collegians on the Thursday night. The finals will be played on the Friday evening followed by the prize giving and a cocktail party. The entry form will soon be available or you can contact Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za should you wish to enter now.
I would once again like to thank Richard Knowles of Realise Academies for his continued support - it is greatly appreciated.
The results from this tournament and the Ladder Tournament will be used to select the players and teams to represent Midlands at the Jarvis/Kaplan Cup Inter Provincial tournament, which will be played in Pietermaritzburg this year.
 
MASTERS SOCIAL DOUBLES EVENING
This very enjoyable event will be held on Friday the 8th April 2016 starting at 5.30pm at Collegians. The cost is only R40 for paid up members and R65 for non-members. Please diarise it now. Bring your own meat for the braai and Midlands Squash will sponsor the balls, lights, charcoal, salads and bread rolls. Please contact Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za should you be a Masters Player and wish to participate. Rennisha will also be on hand that night should you wish to pay your 2016 Masters Squash subscription and entry fees, but please remember to bring the duly completed form, as provided at the end of this newsletter.
 
PROFILE PROPERTY WINTER LEAGUE
The Profile Property Winter League will start on Tuesday the 12th April and finish on the 20th September 2016. A Midlands guideline is that the hosting team is to provide one meal and one drink per person for the visiting team, unless the captains both agree on a different arrangement.
As mentioned above, there will be no squash league during the week of the Midlands Closed Championships.
The Winter League prize giving will be held at Collegians Club on the 21st October 2016.
Team names and club ladders have to be submitted to the MSU office by the 30th March 2016. The fixtures have been circulated with final court usage charts.
Results will be entered on www.sportyhq.com and all players are encouraged to sign up on SportyHQ in order to track their rankings, results and view latest logs.
 
MARKING CLINIC
During the 2016 Winter League season, it is a requirement of the MSU that two players from every team entered into winter league must attend a marking clinic in order for that club to gain its team entries into the 2017 winter league. The committee has decided, in an effort to improve marking and refereeing even further, that should two players from each team not only attend a marking clinic but also write and pass the level 2 marking exam, then in such an event that team will not only receive entry into the 2017 winter league but will pay the same league fees in 2017 as are applicable in 2016. In other words such team or teams will not be subject to the league fee increase for the 2017 season, so best clubs ensure all their players write the level 2 marking exam as this could save them a considerable amount in league fees in 2017. Marking Clinic dates have been set for the 11th and 18th March 2016 at 5:30pm at the Collegians Squash Courts.
 
HANDBOOK ADVERTISING
We have decided to keep our advertising rates the same. The rate is R725 for a full page, R475 for a half page and R200 for a line advert. Approximately 520 books will be printed and they are used by our players throughout winter league from April to the end of September. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have taken adverts in the handbook again this year. We really do appreciate your support as this offsets the cost of having the handbook and scorecards printed.
 
DEVELOPMENT
We are currently running our schools and women in squash roadshows. The development roadshows have proved to be very successful and enjoyed by all ages.
 
INTER TOWN SQUASH
We are again, in conjunction with KZN Squash and KZN Masters Squash, holding the Inter Town Squash tournament at Westville Squash courts on Saturday the 23rd April 2016, starting at 1pm. You can either play singles or doubles squash and the cost is R40.00 per player, which includes court hire, lights, balls and supper afterwards. It really is a fun day and goes a long way to building good relationships between our two provinces. We are looking for 40 players and should you be interested in playing please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za
 
MASTERS SUBSCRIPTIONS
Your subscription for 2016 is R300-00 and is now due. This includes the SA Masters Squash levy of R60. This fee is not applicable to our honorary life members. Membership is open to anyone 35 years and older. All masters who pay their 2016 subscription by the 30th April 2016 will be entitled to free entry into the Hilton Masters Spring League should they elect to play. In addition all those Masters who have paid their subs by the 30th April 2016 will receive a free Masters Buff. Please see the subscription form at the end of this letter for payment details.
 
DAVE SHORT MASTERS INTERPROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT
Entries close on the 20th of April 2016.
The Entry fee has been set at R 500.00 per person.
 
MASTERS SINGLES INTERPROV
No IPT singles this year due to World Masters
 
MASTERS DOUBLES INTERPROV
This takes place in Cape Town from 9 to 12 November. We have not heard anything from WP but we will keep you posted on any news.
Please see the attached calendar with all the dates of the tournaments and happenings for this year.
 
GENERAL
All correspondence and emails are to be sent to info@midlandssquash.co.za
When depositing any monies into our bank account please use your name as the reference.
Please fill in the form attached to this newsletter which you can either fax to the MSU office on 0865432954 or you can email it.
 
Our banking details are as follows: 
Name: MIDLANDS SQUASH UNION
Bank: NEDBANK
Branch Code: 134025 (HAYFIELDS)
Account Number: 1340539993
Reference: YOUR NAME + BRIEF ANNOTATION
 
We look forward to your participation in our tournaments, failing which it would be great to see you supporting and watching Midlands Squash at these events.
 
Yours in Squash
 
 
Janine Talbot
Chairman
Midlands Squash Union
 
P.S - Please see attached Masters Subscription form.

FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL CLUB MEMBERS AND TO BE DISPLAYED ON CLUB NOTICE BOARDS PLEASE!!

Our new Committee, as elected at the AGM on 28th January 2013, held their first meeting on the 19th February. As always at the beginning of a season there is a lot of work to plan and get through for the upcoming year. We have a very dedicated team and I look forward to steering them through the year as they carry out their various portfolios.

Time Freight has agreed to sponsor Midlands Squash again for 2013. In these tight economic times this enables us to keep our Winter League league fees much lower than any other province. The goodie bags and prizes were also a wonderful addition last year. A big thank you to Etienne Van Ravesteyn and his Time Freight team for their continued support. It is greatly appreciated.

Richard Knowles has also agreed to sponsor our Midlands Closed championships once again. Thank you Richard.

I would also like to thank Warwick Weedon for convening the Gill Weedon Spring League last year, Collegians Club for the 2013 Summer League and one day doubles tournament on the 09th March, Lynwood Club and Golf Club for the doubles tournament and all those clubs who organize internal summer leagues.  Add the Inter - Provincials and I think we must have the most squash in a year than anywhere else in the country.

MASTERS SUBSCRIPTIONS

Your subscription for 2013 is R250-00 and is now due. This includes the SA Masters Squash levy of R60. This fee is not applicable to our honorary life members. Membership is open to anyone 35 years and older. All masters who pay their 2013 subscription by the 30th April 2013 will be entitled to free entry into the Hilton Masters Spring League should they elect to play. Please see the subscription form at the end of this letter for payment details.

REPS MEETING

The Reps meeting was held on Monday 25th February and 104 teams have been confirmed for 2013. The committee will decide on whether to allow Mooi River and Protea to enter a side each in the bottom leagues as they have not fulfilled the marking clinic requirements and therefore had a shortfall of 1 and 2 teams respectively. Our score cards will have a new look and will have an additional line to accommodate the 5 players in the Ladies A section. The area previously used for points will make way to allow more space for writing in players full names. This is not only a courtesy but also a requirement by Midlands Squash Union. Emailing in the scorecards to Rennisha has worked well and there is an official post box outside the Midlands office. The hosting policy remains the same. Please notify your opposition of your choice.

LADDER TOURNAMENT

There are 16 men and woman players participating in our ladder tournament which started on Monday 25th  February, and continues every Monday night, cumulating with the final being played on Monday the 18th March at Collegians courts. Everyone is invited to come and support our players, most of whom will play in our Jarvis and Kaplan teams.

TOURNAMENTS

MASTERS SOCIAL DOUBLES EVENING

This very enjoyable event will be held on Friday the 15th March 2013 starting at 5.30pm at Collegians. The cost is only R40 for paid up members and R65 for non-members. Please diarise it now. Bring your own meat for the braai and Midlands Squash will sponsor the balls, lights, charcoal, salads and bread rolls. Please contact Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za should you be a Masters player and wish to participate. Rennisha will also be on hand that night should you wish to pay your 2013 Masters Squash subscription and entry fees, but please remember to bring the duly completed form, as provided at the end of this newsletter.

DAVE SHORT MASTERS INTERPROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT

The DSIPT committee had their first meeting for the 2013 tournament on the 20th February. The tournament will be held on the weekend of the 14th to 16th June 2013. Regretfully we have had to re-schedule the tournament again, from our traditional date, being the first weekend in June, for two reasons. Firstly the Comrades Marathon is being run on Sunday the 02nd June and this creates a huge problem with accommodation in Pietermaritzburg. Secondly there are now two rugby tests matches (Scotland vs Samoa at 3pm and SA vs Italy at 5pm) being played in Durban on Saturday afternoon, the 08th June. This left us with no alternative but to look at the following weekend. We are aware that Sunday the 16th June is a public holiday, which means Monday is also automatically a public holiday, but our thinking is that with the KZN and Gauteng schools breaking up on Friday the 21st June for the July holidays, that people will be less likely to go away over this weekend and that hopefully players will be happier to stay a little longer at the luncheon on Sunday afternoon, knowing that Monday is a public holiday, which they can spend with their families and have a day to recover!!!!!! Entries will be restricted to 250 players. The entry fee has been increased for the first time in three years, by R10-00 to only R400-00 for the entire weekend, which includes three squash matches, a squash shirt, three excellent functions and lots of fun. The rugby test between SA and Italy at 5pm on Saturday the 15th June, will be incorporated into the tournament as part of the entertainment, as has happened with other rugby test matches in previous years. Midlands will again be entering their own teams. Please enter as an individual and you will be placed into a team according to your ability. Entries for Midlands players only close on the 30th April 2013. Should you wish to play please advise Rennisha on

033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

TIME FREIGHT WINTER LEAGUE

This starts on the 10th April and ends on the 19th September. There will be no squash during the week of the Midlands Closed Championships and during the Masters Singles IPT tournament in East London.  Team names and club ladders have to be submitted to the MSU office by the 29th March 2013. Club Reps will be receiving your court usage charts soon as we need to get the fixtures off to the printers to have the hand books ready just after the Easter Weekend. A total of 105 teams have entered this year.

MASTERS IPT SOCIAL

A social evening and braai for all those playing in the Singles and Doubles IPT’s will be held on Friday, 16th August at Collegians. Bring your own meat for the braai and Midlands Squash will sponsor the balls, lights, charcoal, salads and bread rolls. The entry fee is R40-00

MASTERS SINGLES INTER PROV

This is being held in Pretoria from the 6th to the 12th of September, including travelling time. We are asking for a deposit of R1000 to cover the entry fee and this must be paid by 30 April 2013 in order to comply with the organizer’s deadlines.  Accommodation has already provisionally been booked at the Garden Court Hotel in Hatfield. This will be a bit more expensive than last year as accommodation in Pretoria is notoriously costly.  For more details or should you wish to play please contact the convenor, Gail Howes (0827838034), or advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

MASTERS DOUBLES INTER PROV

It’s a big year for this tournament as it reaches its 10th Anniversary with growing popularity. This will be in the town where it originated – East London, from the 6th to 10th November. A deposit of R700.00 needs to be paid by the 30 June 2013 to secure your place in this tournament. Accommodation has been provisionally booked at the Garden Court, where we stayed in 2012 for the Masters Singles IPT.

REALISE ACADEMIES MIDLANDS CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIPS

This will be held from the 12th to the 16th of May after which the Jarvis and Kaplan Cup teams will be announced. We hope to better our 104 players from last year and or aim is to have a full E section with 16 players and not 8 players, as was the case last year. There is no league during this week so why not enter and play - who knows you could win a prize? As with last year there will be a men’s A, B, C, D & E section and a ladies A & B section. The entry fee is still to be finalised but you are guaranteed at least 3 games during that week. Fixtures will be played at various venues and all the playoffs will be played at Collegians on the Wednesday night, as this will increase the camaraderie amongst the players and sections and will be followed that evening by a braai - bring your own meat and Midlands Squash will provide the charcoal, salads and bread rolls. The men and ladies A & B section finals will be played on the Thursday evening followed by the prize giving for all the sections and a cocktail party. The entry forms will be available soon or please contact Rennisha on 033-342204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za should you wish to enter. I would also like to thank Richard Knowles of Realise Academies for sponsoring this tournament once again. 

JARVIS KAPLAN CUP

This will be held in Port Elizabeth from the 8th July to the 13th. This is one of our biggest expenses in our budget and is the highlight of the Squash Calendar. Please support our players in their fund raising efforts.

MASTERS SPRING LEAGUE

It was decided at our meeting that we would continue to use the Hilton College courts. This runs from the 14th October to 25th November. Free entry to paid up Masters members and R120 for non masters members. The new format of having singles and doubles has seen an increase in numbers for this tournament. Prizegiving will be held at the Fleur-de-Lys Club again.

INTERTOWN

We are again in conjunction with KZN Squash and KZN Masters Squash holding the Inter Town Squash tournament at Westville Squash courts on Saturday the 06th April 2013 from 12 midday to 5pm. This tournament has been revitalized and has created a bond between KZN and ourselves. This year is going to be the year of the Durban carrot. You can either play singles or doubles squash and the cost is R20-00 per player which includes court hire, lights, balls and supper afterwards. We are looking for 50 players and should you be interested in playing please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za  Get your names in - Andy Bone needs you!

MARKING / REFEREEING AND DEVELOPMENT

This year we are hoping to get a road show on the go. A date will be set for each club where a team from Midlands will come to your courts to carry out a Marking Clinic and Development. We are hoping to introduce a least 10 new members per club to the sport. This can be of any age, sex or colour, but let’s get people playing squash. Watch this space.

Bongani Khumalo has already got a group of children from the SOS village coming to him. A big thank you to the Midlands Squash Fraternity who donated kits, racquets and balls. Bongani was totally overwhelmed by your generosity.

GENERAL

Thank you to Angelos Christodoulou and ACCPICK for sponsoring our Web site once again and to Rennisha for keeping if updated. For all information, winter league fixtures, newsletters etc. click on www.midlandssquash.co.za. Please take note that there are a lot of deadlines for Interprov entries so act now.

When in doubt contact our office between the hours of 8:30am to 12:30pm. All correspondence and emails to please be sent to the above address on our letterhead. Monies must be deposited into our bank account and your name recorded under the reference. The deposit slip and duly completed form attached to this newsletter must be faxed to the MSU office on 0865432954 or scanned and emailed to info@midlandssquash.co.za  Please return your duly completed form to Rennisha and pay your subs and other entry fees into our banking account as soon as possible.

Our banking details are as follows: 
Name: MIDLANDS SQUASH UNION
Bank: NEDBANK
Branch Code: 134025 (HAYFIELDS)
Account Number: 1340539993
Reference: YOUR NAME + BRIEF ANNOTATION

We look forward to your participation in our tournaments, or failing which it would be great to see you supporting and watching Midlands Squash at these events.

Yours in Squash

Cathy Jackson

Chairperson – Midlands Squash

FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL CLUB MEMBERS AND DISPLAY ON CLUB NOTICE BOARDS PLEASE!!

2012 has been another busy and successful year for Midlands Squash, and there has been a lot that has happened over the last few months, since my last newsletter earlier this year, to report back to you on.

TIME FREIGHT WINTER LEAGUE

The Time Freight Winter League ended on the 27th of September. I hope everyone enjoyed the squash and had as much fun as I did. It was good to welcome back a side from Cedara, as well as for the first time a girl’s school team from St Annes and a ladies team from Protea Squash Club. Other than a few problems here and there I think everything went off exceptionally well. My congratulations are extended to all the winning league teams. Remember for next year, that there is no automatic promotion or relegation between 1st and 2nd league, but that in terms of our rules the top two sides in every other league are eligible for promotion should they elect to move up, in which event the bottom two sides of the leagues above face relegation. The Time Freight winter league prize giving diner and dance was held at Collegians Club on Friday the 12th October 2012 and my thanks are extended to Collegians Squash Club for hosting yet another memorable evening. Some 160 people were in attendance. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Etienne Van Ravesteyn and Time Freight for their valued support and sponsorship, and trust that through the league book, scorecards, newspaper reports, MSU website, emails, hand towels, water bottles, licence disc holders, tog bags given to the Masters IPT players, Dave Short tournament shirts and the prizes they sponsored for all the winning league teams that they have got the exposure and coverage they so richly deserve, and I look forward to our continued association in 2013 to our mutual benefit. Our congratulations are extended to Collegians Squash Club – Club of the Year 2102, Ricolyn Govender - Most Improved Male 2012, Kay Meyrick - Most Improved Female 2012, Rory Whitfeld - Ian Dixon Award for Service to Midlands Squash 2012 and Epworth - Best Overall Performance by a Club 2012.

MARKING CLINIC

During 2012, it is a requirement of the MSU that two players from every team entered into winter league must attend a marking clinic in order for that club to gain their team entries into the 2013 winter league. In an effort to improve marking and refereeing even further, the committee decided that should two players from each team not only attend a marking clinic but also write and pass the level 2 marking exam, then in such an event that team will not only receive entry into the 2013 winter league season but will pay the same league fees in 2013 as is applicable to the 2012 league. In other words such team or teams will not be subject to the league fee increase for the 2013 season.

The MSU marking clinic was held on Monday the 14th May in the gallery at the Collegians Squash complex, and was well attended by some 214 league players, of which 126 players wrote the level 2 marking exam. Regretfully there are still some clubs that have not fulfilled their marking clinic requirements for 2012, and unless this situation is rectified in the next month or two, such clubs will be unable to enter those teams into winter league in 2013. The good news is that Craig Sadler will be holding a final marking clinic towards the end of October/early November, so I suggest those clubs that have not qualified contact him (Cell: 082 491 4053) so that they can rectify their situation and qualify for league next year.

MASTERS SINGLES IPT

This tournament was held recently in East London from the 07th – 12th September 2012. Some 700 players participated and Midlands sent 4 men’s teams and 2 ladies teams. As always the squash was competitive and a lot of fun was had amongst the Midlands players. Midlands Squash were awarded the most organised province for the third consecutive year, a notable achievement, and my thanks are extended to Gail Howes who put this all together so magnificently as usual. Next years tournament will be held in Pretoria.

Prior to departing for the Masters Singles IPT, a social evening and braai for all those Masters players playing in the Singles and Doubles IPT’s, was held on Friday, the 17th August 2012 at Collegians. We had 30 players participated and it was a most enjoyable evening of squash, with great camaraderie amongst fellow touring players.

JARVIS/KAPLAN CUP

The senior ladies and men’s inter-provincial tournament, known as the Jarvis/Kaplan Cup was held in Pretoria during the month of July. Unfortunately due to regular players within our ladies team being unavailable as a result of either being pregnant, preparing for an impending wedding or studying, it was felt that we would not be able to field a competitive ladies team this year, and so a decision was taken not to send a ladies team. Two weeks before the start of the tournament, Mick Gouweloos injured his shoulder, and had to withdraw from the men’s side. This proved to be a big blow, and his presence at the number three position within the team was hugely missed and despite a valiant effort by the remaining team members, Midlands face relegation to the C section next year. Given the tremendous support Midlands Squash have given these players over the last few years, I hope the team will rally together and fight to restore Midlands back to the B section again next year. The team was Justin Gouweloos ©. Alan McGuigan, Mark Gouweloos, Steve Darch and Andrew Brown. The team manager was Craig Buxton-Forman. It was not all gloom and doom, as Midlands Squash were awarded the trophy for the third consecutive year, for the Most Organised Province, testimony to the great work that is done by Bugsy within Midlands Squash.

REALISE ACADEMIES MIDLANDS CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIPS

This tournament was held from Sunday the 06th May to Thursday the 10th May 2012. Our goal prior to the tournament was to not only maintain the Men’s A, B & C and Ladies A & B sections from last year, but to try and re-introduce a Men's D section this year for the lower league players, which would be specifically for players from 7th, 8th and 9th league. Well I am pleased to report that we not only achieved this goal but we had enough players to have an eight man E section draw. In total we had 104 players participate. This truly is encouraging as this represents a tournament encompassing all Midlands players and not just the top players. An interesting fact is that with 106 league teams this year and 104 players playing in the champs, means that nearly 25% of all league players participated in this tournament – absolutely fantastic. Andrew Pratt and Tracey Schwegmann are to be commended on a brilliant effort in putting this tournament together, as well as for their comprehensive daily reports.

What was also encouraging, was not only the sporting manner in which the games were played, but the huge turnout (80 players) we had at the braai on the Wednesday evening after all the runner up and plate finals had been played at Collegians and the almost full gallery at the finals on Thursday night, followed by the prize giving and a most enjoyable cocktail party thereafter. Our congratulations are extended to Justin Gouweloos and Nadia Ramchandra, the men’s and ladies Midland’s champions for 2012.  I would like to thank Richard Knowles of Realise Academies for sponsoring this tournament once again, and look forward to his involvement again next year. 

SCHOOLS

Congratulations to both Michaelhouse and Epworth on winning the boys and girl’s section respectively of the SA Top Schools tournament, held at the beginning of August at Epworth School. This is the 1st time Michaelhouse have won this tournament, yet the 19th time Epworth has won this tournament in 28 years, since its inception – a remarkable achievement I am sure Epworth are very proud of. Of the 6 KZN Schools boys and girls teams selected to play in the U14, U16 and U19 age groups at the Schools Inter - Provincial tournaments, 67% of the players, being 14 boys and 26 girls, were from Midlands Schools.  Our congratulations are extended to Daniel Smith and Nadia Ramchandra in the U19 age group, Kenyon Smith and Michael Greig in the U16 age group and Anele Ngubane, Noel Lee and Ana Chemaly in the U14 age group on obtaining SA Schools rankings.

Midlands Squash paid out just short of R33000-00 in junior player assistance this year, sponsored not only Imbali, but also the Protea ladies team within our winter league, and sponsored our men’s and ladies team to playing in the Durban 1st league.

DAVE SHORT MASTERS INTERPROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT

This year marked the 25th anniversary of this tournament. Due to the Comrades Marathon being run on Sunday the 03rd of June, the DSIPT committee decided to stage the tournament a week later and it was played in Pietermaritzburg on the weekend of the 8th – 10th of June 2012, and once again was a resounding success. As the entry fee was kept the same as last year, this resulted in a further increase in entries from 42 teams last year to 48 teams this year, being some 243 players from 14 provinces throughout South Africa. We welcomed back Freestate to the tournament and North West Province for the first time. Midlands had the most teams, with 10 teams, three teams more than the previous year. To mark the 25th anniversary, the founding committee and past committee members who have served on previous DSIPT committees, together with the President of Squash SA were invited to the formal dinner on Saturday night. Time Freight also partially sponsored the shirts, which have been so well received they we seen being worn by players not only at the Masters Singles IPT in East London, but by players playing in the World Masters championships held in Birmingham, London the week before the start of the Olympic games in July. Despite keeping the entry fee the same as last year, I am pleased to report that we were still managed with some careful budgeting to make almost the same profit to what we made in 2011, which is another fantastic achievement. For next year the committee has decided to restrict entries to 250 players or 50 teams. My thanks are extended to the DSIPT committee, comprising Dave Short, Rob Van Heerden, Andrew Pratt, Gail Howes and Rennisha for all their time and hard work in ensuring the success of this tournament once again.

INTER TOWN SQUASH

We again in conjunction with KZN Squash and KZN Masters Squash held the Inter - Town Squash tournament at Westville Squash courts on Saturday the 24th March 2012. The players participating increased slightly from 35 players last year to 42 players this year. Despite losing to Durban again, what I think is more important is the good relations that have been formed between our two provinces, and the great fun that was had both on and off the squash court and as always the supper afterwards was superb.

MASTERS SPRING LEAGUE

Due to the popularity of this tournament last year, it came as no surprise to me that we were oversubscribed this year. I thought what with the venue and limitation with courts we would be unable to accommodate anymore players, but to my surprise Cathy has created a stronger A section with 4 single matches and a doubles pairing and a slightly weaker B section with 5 singles matches and a doubles pairing, being a total of 78 players. Were we to play at two separate venues, we feel this will detract from the great time and fun had by everyone being all together. This tournament will be played on Monday evenings at the Hilton College squash courts, from Monday the 15th October until about the 19th November 2012, maybe even a week later? After match socializing will be at the courts where food and drinks will be available, and my thanks to Cathy Jackson for sorting out the teams, Greg Walters for assisting with the bar and Angelos Christodoulou for agreeing to handle the catering aspect once again, something that over the years he has perfected.

MASTERS DOUBLES IPT

This takes place in Eastern Gauteng from the 07th – 11th November 2012. Accommodation has been booked and paid for at the Birchwood Hotel where most of the functions will be held. We have 36 players participating and trust they will play good doubles squash and have a most enjoyable tournament. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of this tournament, which will be held in East London, where it originally started. My thanks to Trevor Fryer and his sub-committee for sorting out the pairings etc.   

MICK GOUWELOOS

Many of you may not be aware that Mick has been selected for the 26th SA Knights Squash team to tour Scotland and the UK in December 2012 and January next year. Mick has been busy raising funds for this tour over the last few months, and I am certain knowing Mick as well as I do, that he would have thanked all those people personally for their generous contributions, which I know Mick is most grateful and thankful for. Whilst it is a very intensive tour with a lot of squash, I am sure the experience will stand Mick in good stead for his future squash years and that he will have an absolutely wonderful time. Bon Voyage Mick.

WORLD SQUASH DAY

This is an international event organised by the World Squash Federation, and is intended to show the popularity of squash worldwide, in support of squash’s bid to be included in the 2020 Olympics. This event will be played this Saturday at Collegians from 9am to 4pm. Clubs participating include Hilton Village, Collegians, Lynwood, VCC, Eston and MGC. Teams of 20 players will compete against each other in a match, including any warm up lasting 20 minutes. It should be a fun day. Midlands Squash will sponsor the court hire and lights.

GENERAL

Last week saw the start of the Gill Weedon Spring league with some 220 players participating every Wednesday night for the next 7 weeks until the 28th November 2012. Well done to Warwick, on this his 24th spring league tournament. I have no doubt it will be well run and a lot of fun will be had by everyone. I hope if you are playing that you will support your team and I look forward to seeing you each week at MGC for the after squash socialising.

I would also like to record my thanks to Angelos Christodoulou, Cathy Jackson, Janine Talbot and their respective companies for their support and sponsorship of various aspects of Midlands Squash.

I would also like to thank Rory Whitfeld for organising not only the Inter–club doubles tournament, but two other doubles tournaments all of which were played over a period of about 8 weeks each. Doubles certainly has gained in popularity over the years and played under the right conditions, particular where the teams are evenly matched, can prove to be as rewarding and in some cases longer in duration than a singles match. Well done Rory.

Finally the end of this year will see the conclusion of my term as Chairman of Midlands Squash. I appreciate the confidence you entrusted in me in electing me your Chairman, and I am pleased to have served Midlands Squash to the best of my ability. However I will be the first to admit that the successes we have achieved would not have been possible without the tremendous support of my committee. They are a remarkable team of administrators, who have worked hard, given freely of their time and always done everything with the best interests of Midlands Squash at heart. I believe your committee has created a strong foundation, set in place good business practices, and together with Rennisha as the MSU secretary, are well poised under new leadership next year to continue to take Midlands Squash from strength to strength.

Yours in Squash

Mike Short
Chairman - Midlands Squash Union

24th February 2012 FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL CLUB MEMBERS AND DISPLAY ON CLUB NOTICE BOARDS PLEASE!!

Your committee as elected at the Annual General Meeting in January had their first committee meeting on Wednesday the 15th February and I can assure you that each and everyone of us is committed to working hard, to providing the Midlands Squash fraternity with a wide host of squash events. A lot is planned again for this year and 2012 promises to be another great year for Midlands Squash. There are not many provinces that offer as much squash throughout the year as we do in the Midlands, especially when one also takes into account the summer and spring league tournaments, not to mention the numerous internally run club tournaments and fixtures. We really are spoilt for choice and it is through this medium of squash that so many of us have made some really good friendships. I trust with your continued support of our events, that we will be able to improve and make 2012 an even better squash year for you than last year.

I am pleased to announce that Timefreight have agreed to be our Winter League sponsor for the next two years. I am really thrilled to have Timefreight in our court as our sponsor and on behalf of everyone in Midlands Squash I would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Etienne Van Ravesteyn of Timefreight for his continued and generous support of squash, not only now but in general over all these years. We look forward to an association that we trust will be mutually beneficial to both of us and that gives Timefreight the exposure they seek.

I would also like to thank Dave Surian and Lynwood Squash Club for organising another most enjoyable and successful Jackson Sports Summer League. In the true spirit of why this tournament and Spring League were created, I have enjoyed playing in the team I have been allocated and have had fun with those players. The true spirit being to give people the opportunity to meet, play, support and mix socially with other players that ordinarily one would not do in winter league. The prize giving will be held next week at Lynwood Squash Club on Thursday the 01st March.

I would also like to thank Rory Whitfeld for organising another doubles tournament, which is currently being played on Monday nights at the Collegians Squash complex. Whilst squash is primarily a singles games, doubles squash has definitely helped in extending the life of more seasoned squash players, and doubles squash in the Midlands has certainly gained in popularity. Played under the right conditions, particular where the teams are evenly matched, doubles can prove to be as rewarding and in some cases longer in duration than a singles match. There is some good doubles squash being played at the moment, and this like all the other tournaments is creating good camaraderie amongst the players. Rory has advised me that he is wanting to run the inter-club doubles tournament again during the schools second term, so best clubs start canvassing your players, put your teams together and start practicing. Howick Squash Club was the winner of the inaugural tournament last year.   

At the end of last year we re-vamped our website. I am sure you will all agree that the new look is clean, vibrant and refreshing but above all the information is up to date and informative. Rennisha will be maintaining our website and posting all the latest information so please kindly check it out from time to time. The website address is www.midlandssquash.co.za I would like to thank Stephanie Fryer for her assistance in this regard – it was great appreciated.

24th February 2012

FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL CLUB MEMBERS AND DISPLAY ON CLUB NOTICE BOARDS PLEASE!!

Your committee as elected at the Annual General Meeting in January had their first committee meeting on Wednesday the 15th February and I can assure you that each and everyone of us is committed to working hard, to providing the Midlands Squash fraternity with a wide host of squash events. A lot is planned again for this year and 2012 promises to be another great year for Midlands Squash. There are not many provinces that offer as much squash throughout the year as we do in the Midlands, especially when one also takes into account the summer and spring league tournaments, not to mention the numerous internally run club tournaments and fixtures. We really are spoilt for choice and it is through this medium of squash that so many of us have made some really good friendships. I trust with your continued support of our events, that we will be able to improve and make 2012 an even better squash year for you than last year.

I am pleased to announce that Timefreight have agreed to be our Winter League sponsor for the next two years. I am really thrilled to have Timefreight in our court as our sponsor and on behalf of everyone in Midlands Squash I would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Etienne Van Ravesteyn of Timefreight for his continued and generous support of squash, not only now but in general over all these years. We look forward to an association that we trust will be mutually beneficial to both of us and that gives Timefreight the exposure they seek.

I would also like to thank Dave Surian and Lynwood Squash Club for organising another most enjoyable and successful Jackson Sports Summer League. In the true spirit of why this tournament and Spring League were created, I have enjoyed playing in the team I have been allocated and have had fun with those players. The true spirit being to give people the opportunity to meet, play, support and mix socially with other players that ordinarily one would not do in winter league. The prize giving will be held next week at Lynwood Squash Club on Thursday the 01st March.

I would also like to thank Rory Whitfeld for organising another doubles tournament, which is currently being played on Monday nights at the Collegians Squash complex. Whilst squash is primarily a singles games, doubles squash has definitely helped in extending the life of more seasoned squash players, and doubles squash in the Midlands has certainly gained in popularity. Played under the right conditions, particular where the teams are evenly matched, doubles can prove to be as rewarding and in some cases longer in duration than a singles match. There is some good doubles squash being played at the moment, and this like all the other tournaments is creating good camaraderie amongst the players. Rory has advised me that he is wanting to run the inter-club doubles tournament again during the schools second term, so best clubs start canvassing your players, put your teams together and start practicing. Howick Squash Club was the winner of the inaugural tournament last year.   

At the end of last year we re-vamped our website. I am sure you will all agree that the new look is clean, vibrant and refreshing but above all the information is up to date and informative. Rennisha will be maintaining our website and posting all the latest information so please kindly check it out from time to time. The website address is www.midlandssquash.co.za I would like to thank Stephanie Fryer for her assistance in this regard – it was great appreciated.

REPS MEETING

This was held on Monday the 20th February 2012. I am pleased to report that we have maintain the same number of league teams as last year -106 teams in total. All the leagues are full, for the exception of Men’s 9th league, which means those leagues will all enjoy 18 matches, 9 home and 9 away fixtures throughout the season. As men’s 9th league has only 6 teams, the committee has decided that they will play three rounds which will give them 15 matches. As with last year winter league scorecards can either be posted to our box number, placed into the official MSU score boxes, faxed to the MSU office or scanned and emailed to the MSU email address, the details of which are all on our letterhead above. I have stressed the importance when it comes to hosting that teams must take cognisance of everyone’s financial position and to decide amongst themselves what is best for their team, and to convey their decision to the other sides at the start of the season, be it full catering, no catering and everyone pays their own supper or just a drink or two. Obviously whatever your team decides to do will be applied to your team when you travel away.

LADDER TOURNAMENT

This is for the top 16 men and ladies players in the Midlands and is an opportunity to sort out the ladder positions for 2012. It should also allow players to get fit and motivated over the period of this tournament. Teams to play in the Inter-provincial Jarvis/Kaplan Cup Squash tournament in Pretoria this year, will be chosen from the ladder after completion of the Midlands Championships in May. The tournament started on Wednesday the 22nd February and will be held every Wednesday night until the 14th March at the Collegians Squash complex, starting at 5.30pm each week. The draws have been distributed to the MSU database and I urge you to come and watch some good squash.

MASTERS SOCIAL DOUBLES EVENING

This very enjoyable event will be held on Friday the 16th March 2012 starting at 5.30pm at Collegians. The cost is only R40 for paid up members and R65 for non-members. Please diarise it now. Bring your own meat for the braai and Midlands Squash will sponsor the balls, lights, charcoal, salads and bread rolls. Please contact Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za should you be a Masters player and wish to participate. Rennisha will also be on hand that night should you wish to pay your 2012 Masters Squash subscription and entry fees, but please remember to bring the duly completed form, as provided at the end of this newsletter.

 

TIMEFREIGHT WINTER LEAGUE

The Timefreight Winter League will start on the 17th April and finish on the 27th September 2012. There will be no squash during the week of the Midlands Closed Championships and during the Masters Singles IPT tournament in East London. The prize giving will be held at Collegians Club on the 12th October 2012. Team names and club ladders have to be submitted to the MSU office by the 31st March 2012. The fixtures will be circulated next week and the court usage charts advising us of any problems returned to the MSU office by the 16th March 2012.

MARKING CLINIC

During the 2012 winter league season, it is a requirement of the MSU that two players from every team entered into winter league must attend a marking clinic in order for that club to gain their team entries into the 2013 winter league. The committee has decided that in an effort to improve marking and refereeing even further, that should two players from each team not only attend a marking clinic but also write and pass the level 2 marking exam, then in such an event that team will not only receive entry into the 2013 winter league season but will pay the same league fees in 2013 as is applicable to the 2012 league. In other words such team or teams will not be subject to the league fee increase for the 2013 season, so best clubs ensure all their players write the level 2 marking exam as this could save them a considerable amount in league fees in 2013.

HANDBOOK ADVERTISING

We have decided for the third year running to keep our advertising rates the same. The rate is R650 for a full page and only R420 for a half page. Approximately 550 books will be printed and they are used by our players throughout winter league from April to the end of September. Rennisha will be contacting all last year’s handbook advertisers shortly, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those sponsors that take adverts in the handbook again this year. We really do appreciate your support as this offsets the cost of having the handbook and scorecards printed. If you would like to support Midlands Squash and take advantage of this wonderful marketing opportunity, please contact Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

REALISE ACADEMIES MIDLANDS CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIPS

This will be held from Sunday the 06th May to Thursday the 10th May 2012. As I mentioned earlier there is no league during this week so why not enter and play - who knows you could win a prize? As with last year there will be a men’s A, B & C section and a ladies A & B section. The men’s C section is for Men’s 5th & 6th league players. We would like to try this year and re-introduce a Men's D section again for the lower league players, which will be for players from 7th, 8th and 9th league – we still have in our trophy cabinet a trophy for this section. The entry fee is still to be finalised but you are guaranteed at least 3 games during that week and all the runner up and plate finals will be played at one venue on the Wednesday night, as this will increase the camaraderie amongst the players and sections and will be followed that evening by a braai - bring your own meat and Midlands Squash will provide the charcoal, salads and bread rolls. The men and ladies A & B section finals will be played on the Thursday evening followed by the prize giving for all the sections and a cocktail party. The entry forms will be available soon or please contact Rennisha on 033-342204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za should you wish to enter. I would also like to thank Richard Knowles of Realise Academies for sponsoring this tournament once again. Richard we really do value your support and interest in squash. Thank you. After this tournament the teams to represent Midlands Squash at the Jarvis/Kaplan Cup Inter Provincial will be chosen based on the Midlands ladder at that time. 

DEVELOPMENT

We have just finished paying for the refurbishment of the squash courts at Alex High School, which is now home to Imbali Squash Club. The MSU decided to contribute to the costs of the KZN Junior Open tournament, despite the fact that KZN Schools squash does not fall under our jurisdiction, but it was felt this tournament went a long way to promoting squash in the Midlands and squash in general at schools level. The KZN Junior Open tournament will see a lot of the top U16 and U19 school boys and girls from throughout the country participating, and will be held over the weekend of the 24th to the 26th February 2012 in Pietermaritzburg. Sally White has sent out a brief email (a report is also in today’s newspaper) of the top players involved and where they will be playing so that you can go and watch some top junior squash. You will not be disappointed and I am sure Sally would appreciate your support. On the 11th February we ran a marking development clinic for previous disadvantaged players and will be conducted another marking development clinic at Protea Squash Club on the 25th February starting at 9am.

INTER TOWN SQUASH

We are again in conjunction with KZN Squash and KZN Masters Squash holding the Inter Town Squash tournament at Westville Squash courts on Saturday the 24th March 2012, starting at 1pm. You can either play singles or doubles squash and the cost is R20-00 per player which includes court hire, lights, balls and supper afterwards. It really is a fun day and goes a long way to building good relationships between our two provinces. We are looking for 40 players and should you be interested in playing please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

MASTERS SUBSCRIPTIONS

Your subscription for 2012 is R250-00 and is now due. This includes the SA Masters Squash levy of R60. This fee is not applicable to our honorary life members. Membership is open to anyone 35 years and older. All masters who pay their 2012 subscription by the 30th April 2012 will be entitled to free entry into the Hilton Masters Spring League should they elect to play. In addition all those Masters who have paid their subs by the 30th April 2012 will receive a free Masters shirt. Please see the subscription form at the end of this letter for payment details and include your shirt size.

DAVE SHORT MASTERS INTERPROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT

The DSIPT committee had their first meeting for the 2012 tournament last night. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this tournament. We have had a lot of interest from players that did not play last year and have decided to restrict entries to 250 players. The committee has decided to keep the entry fee the same as last year, being only R390-00 for the entire weekend, and which includes three squash matches, a squash shirt, three excellent functions and lots of fun. Due to the Comrades Marathon being a down run on Sunday the 03rd of June and accommodation being a huge problem, the DSIPT committee has decided to stage the tournament a week later and it will now be played in Pietermaritzburg on the weekend of the 8th – 10th of June 2012. We are aware that the SA vs England rugby test will be played in Durban on the Saturday afternoon and this will be incorporated into the tournament as part of the entertainment, as has happened with other rugby test matches in previous years. Midlands will again be entering their own teams. Please enter as an individual and you will be placed into a team according to your ability. Entries close on the 20th of April 2012. Should you wish to play please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

MASTERS SINGLES INTERPROV

This tournament will take place in East London from the 07th – 13th September 2012, including travelling time. We are asking for a deposit of R750-00 to cover the entry fee and this must be paid by the 30 April 2012 in order to comply with the organizer’s deadlines.  Accommodation has already been provisionally booked at the Garden Court Hotel on the beach front. For more details or should you wish to play please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za  or speak to the convenor Gail Howes.

A social evening and braai for all those playing in the Singles and Doubles IPT’s will be held on Friday, the 17th August 2012 at Collegians. Bring your own meat for the braai and Midlands Squash will sponsor the balls, lights, charcoal, salads and bread rolls. The entry fee is R40-00 for paid up members and R65-00 for non members.

 

MASTERS DOUBLES INTERPROV

This takes place in Eastern Gauteng from the 07th – 11th November 2012, including travelling time. The deposit is R600-00 and must be paid by the 30 June 2012. We have provisional booked rooms at the Birchwood Hotel. Should you be interested in playing please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

 

MASTERS SPRING LEAGUE

This tournament was hugely popular in 2011 and we are expecting more players will be interested in playing this year. First preference will be given in entries to Midlands Masters players that have paid their 2012 masters subscription. This event will be played on a Monday evening at the Hilton College squash courts, starting on Monday the 15th October and ending on the 09th November 2012. We will have the after match socializing at the courts where food and drinks will be available. The entry fee will be free for paid up Midlands Masters members who elect to play this tournament and R125-00 for non-members. Should you wish to play please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

GENERAL

All correspondence and emails to please be sent to the above address on our letterhead. Monies must be deposited into our bank account and your name recorded under the reference. The deposit slip and duly completed form attached to this newsletter must be faxed to the MSU office on 0865432954 or scanned and emailed to info@midlandssquash.co.za

Our banking details are as follows: 

Name: MIDLANDS SQUASH UNION

Bank: NEDBANK

Branch Code: 134025 (HAYFIELDS)

Account Number: 1340539993

Reference: YOUR NAME + BRIEF ANNOTATION

We look forward to your participation in our tournaments, or failing which it would be great to see you supporting and watching Midlands Squash at these events.

Yours in Squash

Mike Short

Chairman - Midlands Squash Union

P.S - Please see the Masters Subscription form below.

REPS MEETING

This was held on Monday the 20th February 2012. I am pleased to report that we have maintain the same number of league teams as last year -106 teams in total. All the leagues are full, for the exception of Men’s 9th league, which means those leagues will all enjoy 18 matches, 9 home and 9 away fixtures throughout the season. As men’s 9th league has only 6 teams, the committee has decided that they will play three rounds which will give them 15 matches. As with last year winter league scorecards can either be posted to our box number, placed into the official MSU score boxes, faxed to the MSU office or scanned and emailed to the MSU email address, the details of which are all on our letterhead above. I have stressed the importance when it comes to hosting that teams must take cognisance of everyone’s financial position and to decide amongst themselves what is best for their team, and to convey their decision to the other sides at the start of the season, be it full catering, no catering and everyone pays their own supper or just a drink or two. Obviously whatever your team decides to do will be applied to your team when you travel away.

LADDER TOURNAMENT

This is for the top 16 men and ladies players in the Midlands and is an opportunity to sort out the ladder positions for 2012. It should also allow players to get fit and motivated over the period of this tournament. Teams to play in the Inter-provincial Jarvis/Kaplan Cup Squash tournament in Pretoria this year, will be chosen from the ladder after completion of the Midlands Championships in May. The tournament started on Wednesday the 22nd February and will be held every Wednesday night until the 14th March at the Collegians Squash complex, starting at 5.30pm each week. The draws have been distributed to the MSU database and I urge you to come and watch some good squash.

MASTERS SOCIAL DOUBLES EVENING

This very enjoyable event will be held on Friday the 16th March 2012 starting at 5.30pm at Collegians. The cost is only R40 for paid up members and R65 for non-members. Please diarise it now. Bring your own meat for the braai and Midlands Squash will sponsor the balls, lights, charcoal, salads and bread rolls. Please contact Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za should you be a Masters player and wish to participate. Rennisha will also be on hand that night should you wish to pay your 2012 Masters Squash subscription and entry fees, but please remember to bring the duly completed form, as provided at the end of this newsletter.

TIMEFREIGHT WINTER LEAGUE

The Timefreight Winter League will start on the 17th April and finish on the 27th September 2012. There will be no squash during the week of the Midlands Closed Championships and during the Masters Singles IPT tournament in East London. The prize giving will be held at Collegians Club on the 12th October 2012. Team names and club ladders have to be submitted to the MSU office by the 31st March 2012. The fixtures will be circulated next week and the court usage charts advising us of any problems returned to the MSU office by the 16th March 2012.

MARKING CLINIC

During the 2012 winter league season, it is a requirement of the MSU that two players from every team entered into winter league must attend a marking clinic in order for that club to gain their team entries into the 2013 winter league. The committee has decided that in an effort to improve marking and refereeing even further, that should two players from each team not only attend a marking clinic but also write and pass the level 2 marking exam, then in such an event that team will not only receive entry into the 2013 winter league season but will pay the same league fees in 2013 as is applicable to the 2012 league. In other words such team or teams will not be subject to the league fee increase for the 2013 season, so best clubs ensure all their players write the level 2 marking exam as this could save them a considerable amount in league fees in 2013.

HANDBOOK ADVERTISING

We have decided for the third year running to keep our advertising rates the same. The rate is R650 for a full page and only R420 for a half page. Approximately 550 books will be printed and they are used by our players throughout winter league from April to the end of September. Rennisha will be contacting all last year’s handbook advertisers shortly, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those sponsors that take adverts in the handbook again this year. We really do appreciate your support as this offsets the cost of having the handbook and scorecards printed. If you would like to support Midlands Squash and take advantage of this wonderful marketing opportunity, please contact Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

REALISE ACADEMIES MIDLANDS CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIPS

This will be held from Sunday the 06th May to Thursday the 10th May 2012. As I mentioned earlier there is no league during this week so why not enter and play - who knows you could win a prize? As with last year there will be a men’s A, B & C section and a ladies A & B section. The men’s C section is for Men’s 5th & 6th league players. We would like to try this year and re-introduce a Men's D section again for the lower league players, which will be for players from 7th, 8th and 9th league – we still have in our trophy cabinet a trophy for this section. The entry fee is still to be finalised but you are guaranteed at least 3 games during that week and all the runner up and plate finals will be played at one venue on the Wednesday night, as this will increase the camaraderie amongst the players and sections and will be followed that evening by a braai - bring your own meat and Midlands Squash will provide the charcoal, salads and bread rolls. The men and ladies A & B section finals will be played on the Thursday evening followed by the prize giving for all the sections and a cocktail party. The entry forms will be available soon or please contact Rennisha on 033-342204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za should you wish to enter. I would also like to thank Richard Knowles of Realise Academies for sponsoring this tournament once again. Richard we really do value your support and interest in squash. Thank you. After this tournament the teams to represent Midlands Squash at the Jarvis/Kaplan Cup Inter Provincial will be chosen based on the Midlands ladder at that time. 

DEVELOPMENT

We have just finished paying for the refurbishment of the squash courts at Alex High School, which is now home to Imbali Squash Club. The MSU decided to contribute to the costs of the KZN Junior Open tournament, despite the fact that KZN Schools squash does not fall under our jurisdiction, but it was felt this tournament went a long way to promoting squash in the Midlands and squash in general at schools level. The KZN Junior Open tournament will see a lot of the top U16 and U19 school boys and girls from throughout the country participating, and will be held over the weekend of the 24th to the 26th February 2012 in Pietermaritzburg. Sally White has sent out a brief email (a report is also in today’s newspaper) of the top players involved and where they will be playing so that you can go and watch some top junior squash. You will not be disappointed and I am sure Sally would appreciate your support. On the 11th February we ran a marking development clinic for previous disadvantaged players and will be conducted another marking development clinic at Protea Squash Club on the 25th February starting at 9am.

INTER TOWN SQUASH

We are again in conjunction with KZN Squash and KZN Masters Squash holding the Inter Town Squash tournament at Westville Squash courts on Saturday the 24th March 2012, starting at 1pm. You can either play singles or doubles squash and the cost is R20-00 per player which includes court hire, lights, balls and supper afterwards. It really is a fun day and goes a long way to building good relationships between our two provinces. We are looking for 40 players and should you be interested in playing please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

MASTERS SUBSCRIPTIONS

Your subscription for 2012 is R250-00 and is now due. This includes the SA Masters Squash levy of R60. This fee is not applicable to our honorary life members. Membership is open to anyone 35 years and older. All masters who pay their 2012 subscription by the 30th April 2012 will be entitled to free entry into the Hilton Masters Spring League should they elect to play. In addition all those Masters who have paid their subs by the 30th April 2012 will receive a free Masters shirt. Please see the subscription form at the end of this letter for payment details and include your shirt size.

DAVE SHORT MASTERS INTERPROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT

The DSIPT committee had their first meeting for the 2012 tournament last night. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this tournament. We have had a lot of interest from players that did not play last year and have decided to restrict entries to 250 players. The committee has decided to keep the entry fee the same as last year, being only R390-00 for the entire weekend, and which includes three squash matches, a squash shirt, three excellent functions and lots of fun. Due to the Comrades Marathon being a down run on Sunday the 03rd of June and accommodation being a huge problem, the DSIPT committee has decided to stage the tournament a week later and it will now be played in Pietermaritzburg on the weekend of the 8th – 10th of June 2012. We are aware that the SA vs England rugby test will be played in Durban on the Saturday afternoon and this will be incorporated into the tournament as part of the entertainment, as has happened with other rugby test matches in previous years. Midlands will again be entering their own teams. Please enter as an individual and you will be placed into a team according to your ability. Entries close on the 20th of April 2012. Should you wish to play please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

MASTERS SINGLES INTERPROV

This tournament will take place in East London from the 07th – 13th September 2012, including travelling time. We are asking for a deposit of R750-00 to cover the entry fee and this must be paid by the 30 April 2012 in order to comply with the organizer’s deadlines.  Accommodation has already been provisionally booked at the Garden Court Hotel on the beach front. For more details or should you wish to play please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za  or speak to the convenor Gail Howes.

A social evening and braai for all those playing in the Singles and Doubles IPT’s will be held on Friday, the 17th August 2012 at Collegians. Bring your own meat for the braai and Midlands Squash will sponsor the balls, lights, charcoal, salads and bread rolls. The entry fee is R40-00 for paid up members and R65-00 for non members.

MASTERS DOUBLES INTERPROV

This takes place in Eastern Gauteng from the 07th – 11th November 2012, including travelling time. The deposit is R600-00 and must be paid by the 30 June 2012. We have provisional booked rooms at the Birchwood Hotel. Should you be interested in playing please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

MASTERS SPRING LEAGUE

This tournament was hugely popular in 2011 and we are expecting more players will be interested in playing this year. First preference will be given in entries to Midlands Masters players that have paid their 2012 masters subscription. This event will be played on a Monday evening at the Hilton College squash courts, starting on Monday the 15th October and ending on the 09th November 2012. We will have the after match socializing at the courts where food and drinks will be available. The entry fee will be free for paid up Midlands Masters members who elect to play this tournament and R125-00 for non-members. Should you wish to play please advise Rennisha on 033-3422204 or at info@midlandssquash.co.za

GENERAL

All correspondence and emails to please be sent to the above address on our letterhead. Monies must be deposited into our bank account and your name recorded under the reference. The deposit slip and duly completed form attached to this newsletter must be faxed to the MSU office on 0865432954 or scanned and emailed to info@midlandssquash.co.za

Our banking details are as follows: 

Name: MIDLANDS SQUASH UNION

Bank: NEDBANK

Branch Code: 134025 (HAYFIELDS)

Account Number: 1340539993

Reference: YOUR NAME + BRIEF ANNOTATION

We look forward to your participation in our tournaments, or failing which it would be great to see you supporting and watching Midlands Squash at these events.

Yours in Squash

Mike Short

Chairman - Midlands Squash Union

P.S - Please see the Masters Subscription form below.