Bruce Kennewell of Beetaloo has a record that possibly may never be beaten.
The squash player started playing in Port Pirie 17 years ago and has been the number one squash player for more that 10 years in both the summer and
winter seasons and up until this season it was believed he had never lost a match in those 10 years.
However the modest champion said he recalls losing one or two during that time.
This wonderful feat was secure in the records until a new gun squash player came to town and much to the delight of Kennewell has given him some tough competition.
The new player on the block is Paul Webster who recently won the SA Country Classic in the men’s singles at Clare last weekend.
He has come to Port Pirie with great credentials having played in the Adelaide State One Premier league and has been ranked at number eight in the top league during his career.
DUELLING SQUASH CHAMPS…Paul Webster left and Bruce Kennewell local top class players have had great duals on the squash court with the younger Webster having the edge.
“It is great for the town to have some one of this quality,” said Kennewell.
He said it has been fantastic for the local competition, as it has brought every player’s skill level up a notch.
“It has been exceptionally good for junior player, 17 year old Leigh Hajisava, who is in the junior state squad,” said Kennewell.
“He can only improve playing someone like Paul.”
Webster who is in his early 30’s and Kennewell , 48, have met on three occasions with the younger player having the edge.
The local champion said, “It is a fitness thing that beats me because I believe our skill levels are even but his youth and fitness show when we are playing long rallies.”
Squash is a family affair for Mr Kennewell with his parents both having played and his sister Carol Kennewell was a professional player, reaching number 12 in the world during her career.
His children Lucy, 16, and Jack, 12, play squash and also pick up a hockey stick throughout the winter.
Kennewell, who has been injury free throughout his career, travels into Pirie from Beetaloo twice a week, playing in A grade on Wednesday night and mixed on Monday.
“The numbers in the competition had increased last year but sadly we may lose Leigh next year to University.”
Unfortunately Pirie may also lose Webster, due to work commitments. “It is a great sport to be involved in especially as it is played indoors and you can still play into your senior years,” said Kennewell.
When asked how long he had been playing he said, “Since before I was born, my mother was still playing when she was eight months pregnant with me.”
President of the Port Pirie Squash club Paul Laube said, “Bruce has been a great player and it fantastic to see a top contest between him and Paul Webster.”
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