BODHI Wratten and Cleo Poulava clinched the NSW State Championships last week at the Dapto Squash Centre, marking a significant achievement in their young sporting careers.

Bodhi dominated the under 11s, winning all of his four matches 3-0 in a convincing display of squash accuracy at such a young age.

Coffs Harbour Squash and Swim Centre coach Jemma Wratten was delighted with the outcome.

“Bodhi has been serving well and played solid squash the whole weekend, he’s really pleased,” said Jemma, Bodhi’s mother.

In the under 13s girls category, Cleo Poulava emerged victorious after a gruelling five-set match.

“Cleo’s match swung back and forth against Canberra’s Gizele Josifoski, with the score tied at 2-2 and the match going to the wire.

“Cleo dug deep and came out strong in the fifth set to win 11-5,” explained the NSW Junior Coach.

A group of nine players from Coffs made the journey to Wollongong, all performing admirably.

“We drove down in the team mini-bus on Thursday so the players could get adequate practice and rest on Friday before the competition started on Saturday,” Jemma shared.

“Jayden Sparks continued his great form winning third place in the under 17 boys.

“Jayden has had a great season and recently won the men’s Thursday night competition at the squash club.”

It was a happy trio of Poulava sisters who enjoyed success at the competition.

“Cleo’s older sister Eden-Alma Poulava defeated the top seed in the third place play-off for the under 17/19 girls and eldest sister Jada Poulava came seventh,” Jemma said.

“Jaida Wigley came from 2-0 down to win third place in the under 13 girls and Seb Williams finished strongly winning his last match to finish seventh.

“Eleanor and Jillian Gibson travelled away for their first State Championship and took third and fifth place in the under 11 and under 13 age groups.”

Following the conclusion of the event there was more joy for the players.

“The State Championship is where selectors finalise the NSW State team to compete in the nationals championships in September which will be held in Sydney.

“We had six players selected to represent NSW; Cleo Poulava and Jillian Gibson in the under 13 girls, Jaida Wigley in the under 15 girls, Eden-Alma Poulava in the under 17 girls, Jada Poulava in the under 19 girls and Jayden Sparks in the under 17 boys.

“Coming from a regional area certainly has its logistical challenges but we’ve done everything to give the players an opportunity to shine,” concluded Jemma.

By David WIGLEY