2023 Australian Junior Teams Championships Day 2 wrap up

The big guns in the Australian Junior Teams Championships flexed their collective muscles today, setting the scene for a thrilling final day of competition at Brisbane’s Daisy Hill Squash & Racquet Club.

As expected Queensland have been dominant in their title defence, starting the day with an easy win over South Australia in round 3 taking the win 12 matches to 4.

Round 4 was Squash’s own version of State of Origin, Queensland put on an impressive display against old rival New South Wales with an easy win of 13 matches to 5.

U17 Girls Champion Lijana Sultana is taking part in her first team event for QLD sharing she is enjoying the team environment. 

“It is my first time playing for Queensland so I have been a little nervous,” she said. 

“The team has been playing so well, it’s been amazing to be a part of it. Everyone is having fun, everyone is supporting each other and just enjoying the competition.”

Hot on QLD’s heels is Team Victoria who finished the day in equal place, both teams on 40 points after four rounds. 

VIC took on West Australia in round 3 defeating the team from the West 11 matches to 5.

South Australia also experienced a loss to VIC in their last round of the competition, losing 13 matches to 4. 

While South Australia were without a round win this year, U19’s player Soha Khatri who travelled from Egypt for the tournament said the team were upbeat about their efforts. 

“Coming back to play for the team is really special for me, I have been doing it since I was young and I really enjoy playing these tournaments,” she said. 

“Despite our tough losses we’ve all been really positive about it as a team. We know we’ve put in our best efforts on the court and we’ve been taking each point as it goes. 

“What’s most important is the support we have all showed each other. I’ll definitely be back next year.” 

After enjoying a bye in round 2 of Division 2’s tournament, Tasmania secured a win against ACT 6 matches to 4. 

Alana Atkins Tasmania’s Team Manager said the team had been enjoying taking part in this year’s AJC after the inclusion of the second division. 

“It’s the first time we have had a team back in this competition after a number of years. We are super excited to have a team and be competitive,” said Atkins. 

“We were really excited to get the win over ACT, we had to forfeit a match so we really had to push hard to come back. 

“As a new developing team, it has been great to come together as a team and get the win. 

“To see so many kids interested in Squash from Tasmania and to have a few new faces who joined us for this trip and can’t wait to play more has been wonderful.” 

Tasmania finished the day on 11 points following a round 4 loss to Victoria 8 matches to 2. 

Team points standings after two rounds
Division 1
Queensland 40
Victoria 40
New South Wales 26
West Australia 23     
South Australia 15

Division 2 
Queensland 19
Victoria 18
New South Wales 17
ACT 15
Tasmania 11

See the full schedule and follow the results HERE