The first rounds of the 2016 Yamba Club Championships got underway this week with no upsets or surprises. The Mens B reserve grade saw Bob Aitken win in four over an ever improving ambidextrous player Andrew Ford. Bob now goes on to play another youngster Dean Turner. There were two men’s A Grade matches. The first was between Simon Birchall and Nick Gregor. This was always going to be close. Simon led 2-1 and looked to have the match wrapped up in the fourth but Nick made a huge comeback to make the game go to a long one which he won so the fifth game was fast and furious. Simon got the better start and hung to win. He now faces second seeded player Ryan Brown in the semi finals. The second match was between Kash Robinson and Paul Smith. Paul played well to get a game off Kash but to no avail as Kash went onto to win in four. He now faces the no.1 seed Tony McFarlane. During the club championship a doubles championship is also held and it was here there were surprises. Steve Pilley and Barry Serjeant played the injured Michael Davidson and Helen Anderson. Despite not being able to run much Michael still had his repertoire of shots and Helen being the experienced doubles player were more than a match for Steve and Barry and won 2-1. They then had to play Nick Gregor and Torben Mikkelsen and were no match and lost in three. The next doubles was between Ryan Brown and Jack Skippen playing Paul Smith and Kash Robinson. It was hard to pick a favourite between these two teams but is was a case of which team made the least mistakes and it ended up being Kash and Paul winning 2-1.The best dressed team had to be Steve and Barry in their matching red Karakal shirts and black shorts. This week sees all semis on Wednesday night and finals on Thursday night. Everybody and anybody are more than welcome to come along and watch some great squash. The last competition for 2016 will start straight after these championships and as always we are looking for more players, don’t be shy about coming forward and signing up. The footy tips competition has come to a close and Paul Tarasenko who has been in the lead pack for all the comp. managed to hold out a late finish from Julie Cutbush and Cameron Pilley. Paul won by one point and Julie and Cameron tied for second. For those who did not manage a place finish, there’s always next year. Susan Pilley