Join in … with Murray Bridge Squash Association
Coralie Bryan invites you to try a sport that can suit people of varying ages and abilities, and a squash court never gets wet … well, almost never.
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Murray Bridge Squash Association plays its games at Mannum Leisure Centre, but Coralie Bryan has met Murray Bridge News at Murray Bridge’s GCS café, previously the site of the city’s squash courts.
Although the club moved from Murray Bridge to Mannum in 2002, people from Murray Bridge, Mannum or anywhere really can now try squash at the Mannum Leisure Centre.
To express an interest in sponsoring this monthly feature, email jane@murraybridge.news.
When did you first get involved with squash?
I started playing before my first son was born. My sister was living in Canberra, and she said, “Come and have a game. You should play: you can do overheads.” I’d played tennis before. I’ve had three children, and I’ve had three seasons off.
How is the association going this season?
We only play competitions amongst ourselves, but we don’t play for sheep stations – we play to win. Not a lot of us play at the moment, unfortunately. We’ve only got four teams of four people. Everyone’s getting older, and the schools here don’t promote squash, as the kids don’t have anywhere to play here. We have various abilities, from top players down to the beginners.
What do you get out of your involvement?
I just enjoy playing squash. I get a bit frustrated I can’t play like I used to, but if you’ve been a better player, you don’t have to be super fit – you can naturally stand in one spot and move two steps and hit the ball.
Locals support locals. Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories.
What has been your fondest memory with Murray Bridge Squash Association?
The camaraderie. And back when we were here, we had lots of people playing: A, B, C men’s and women’s. I was probably at the squash courts three times a week, because I helped coach kids too. It was pretty much my life – that and tennis. I still play tennis and enjoy that too.
You can play squash anytime, and it’s never windy on the court. But rain did stop the grand final about five years ago in Mannum. The rain was so heavy, it came through the roof and was running down the stairs. It was bizarre.
What’s your goal with the association?
I just want to get more players because we haven’t got a lot of young ones.
Why should people join Murray Bridge Squash Association?
It’s a fun night. And we have supper after if you want to stay, but you don’t have to. It’s a good fitness sport if you want to put the effort in. If you can only play at a certain time, we can accommodate that – I’m pretty flexible. We’re not super expensive – $90 a season, which isn’t a lot these days. Also, we carpool (to Mannum from Murray Bridge). We meet at Drake’s before six each Tuesday night.
- More information: Text Coralie Bryan on 0427 160 839 or search for Murray Bridge Squash Association on Facebook
- Who can join: Anyone
- Where to go: Mannum Leisure Centre, 51 Adelaide Road, Mannum
- When to go: 6.30pm on Tuesday nights
- What you need: A racket (but one can be supplied initially), good shoes that grip the court and comfortable clothes
To express an interest in promoting your community or sporting club with a Join In feature, email michael@murraybridge.news. To express an interest in sponsoring this monthly feature, email jane@murraybridge.news.
Locals support locals. Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories.
