Squash champion Jarrod van Wyk triumphs in five gruelling sets
It’s the second time the Port Shepstone Country Club player has won the title.
There are lobsters out there that may have been impressed, nay jealous, at the bright red hue of Jarrod van Wyk’s face about halfway through his epic five game battle for the Lower South Coast squash championship title against Sachin Kalkapersad.
The match was played at Douglas Mitchell Sports Club in Uvongo last Friday night and drew a sizeable crowd.
Van Wyk is a solid bloke who is not afraid to slake his thirst with the odd beverage or two.
It could be argued that he is carrying an extra kilogram or two. More, some would say. In a joking fashion, of course.
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Kalkapersad is a little younger than Van Wyk and as lithe and agile as a panther.
He’s the youngest of Sivy Kalkapersad’s three sons, all gifted in terms of sport. He knows what it means to compete, to never give up.
Van Wyk took the first two games, the second of these in a blur as his bulging-biceped right arm delivered an array of flashing strokes.
He hits it hard, but combines his power with deft touches and smart strategy.
He looked to have wrapped things up in the third but a few miscued shots off the side of the racquet allowed the chasing Kalkapersad back into the game.
Suddenly it was 2-1 and a murmur reverberated around the courts.
Not too many thought Van Wyk would be able to outlast his opponent at that stage.
Not when he was sucking in air, leaning against the wall, and grabbing his bandaged thigh.
When the fourth game disappeared in a hurry, it really looked like the youngster would take it.
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But Van Wyk bounced back, showing mental fortitude and resilience.
“I took a little rest in the fourth,” he laughed.
He was pleased with his win and took a few moments to catch his breath afterwards. And allow his face to return to its normal colour.
The final score was 15-12, 15-6, 12-15, 13-15 and 15-13.
The two players received a huge cheer when the match ended. The spectators had been royally entertained.
In other games, Sheldon Simes beat James Miller in the plate final.
Renee Purtell beat Lara Baldrey in the women’s final.
In terms of most improved players, these awards went to Juanita Greyvenstein and Andrew Binikos.
Winners of the Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach Winter league were Douglas Mitchell, namely André Attfield, Bruce Cunningham, Rowan Wicks, Graeme Milligan and Peter Kilian.
Brian Jones, dealer principal of Halfway Toyota, was thanked for sponsoring local squash for longer than even outgoing chairman Gary Purtell could remember.
In his speech, he urged the players to put together a team to try and win the SACD tournament in Richards Bay next year.
He thanked Sivy Kalkapersad for taking on the role as chairman, and Geoff Borchers for continuing as treasurer …and spearheading the mission to win that SACD trophy again.
“With the talent we have coming through, I think it’s a distinct possibility,” said Purtell.
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