One of the Eastern Bay’s smallest towns is in celebration mode following the efforts of its squash players.

The Tāneatua women’s D grade squash team were victorious at the Squash New Zealand D Grade Nationals, held at Methven from September 18-21.

Tāneatua were ranked fourth out of 10 teams, but didn’t let the ranking faze them as they secured a thrilling 3-2 win in the final over Ohakune to take home the spoils.

In pool play, they outclassed Mana, Squash City, Christchurch and Timaru on their way to a showdown with Ohakune.

Team member Felicity Hata said they were stoked to have come home as national champions.

“We still cannot believe it. We went down there to try our best and enjoy it, but to come back as national champions is even better.”

They made history in the mid-Canterbury town as the first team from the club to win a national title.

“That’s pretty cool for us and something no one can take away. It’s pretty awesome just thinking about it.”

Hata said they put a lot of hard work and preparation into nationals, and this contributed to their success.

“It was exciting. It was hard work, but so awesome.”

“We all tried to be on the same page with our training and eating so we could make each other accountable. It thankfully paid off.”

Being top of the 10 clubs in action was a proud moment for the Tāneatua club.

“It caught us all by surprise a bit, but we’re over the moon.”

They won all their pool matches by the same margin, 4-1, and then in the final, it was a thriller with Joslyne Umpherville winning the final match, three games to two, and the deciding set, 15-8, to secure Tāneatua the victory.

“Because they were so young, it was a lot of pressure to have on their last player. It made the long trip down to the South Island worthwhile.”

They played one match Wednesday, two Thursday, one Friday and then the final on Saturday.

Hata said their coach, Kelsi Robinson, had a huge part to play in their win.

“It wouldn’t have been as successful had we not had her taking us in the lead-up to nationals. She was a big part in our success and a lot of thanks has to go to her.”

Umpherville was joined in the Tāneatua team by Hata, Marama Hancy, Cedella Ihaia, Shandi McNabb and Gassey Turei. Despite not travelling, Te Orihau Teepa was a big part of the team as well, and Laine Heitia as support crew.

All six players took the court over the three days, and each of them lost one game.

Hata said the style of squash played was a lot different.

“Ohakune were a stronger team than us, but on the day, we just pulled it off. They had a lot of strong, powerful players.

She said one major difference was the style of play and it varied among teams.

“A lot of the other clubs were powerful, whereas, over here in the Bay of Plenty, we play more of a drop game compared to the rest of the clubs. Their style is not common in the Bay.”

Hata said the win was special for their coaches because they missed out through injury the last time Tāneatua made the national finals.

Meanwhile, Edgecumbe went close to winning the women’s C grade falling short in a thrilling final. Their squad was Marie Roia, Lisa Robertson, Sharmaine Walker, Tracy Mitchell, Kelly Pakaha Wilson, Angharad Brady, Harley Connor Henry and Emma Ferguson.

Down in Invercargill, the Ōpōtiki men’s F grade side finished third overall.