SQUASH: Dynamic duo aims to bring back glory days | Hawkes Bay Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Hawkes Bay

W IND the clock back a couple of decades.

Dame Susan Devoy dominated the international women's squash scene and New Zealand squash was on a high.

It wasn't uncommon for clubs like Onekawa's Hawke's Bay Squash Club to boast between 500 and 600 members.

"We're hoping it won't be too long before those days return," said Murray Sutherland who, with his wife Jacquie, is the club's new co-manager.

"We've got 200 at the moment and it's growing."

SportToday questioned the wisdom of the pair in taking on the ambitious roles in this tough economic climate, where minor sports like squash struggle for sponsorship and leisure time for the punters they hope to attract is just as hard to come by.

But their passion for squash is second to none.

"We're 22-year veterans of the club. Even when we were based overseas from 1990 to 2007, we would still call in here and catch up with everyone," said Sutherland. The C1 grader and his D1-graded wife are already working on deals that will attract corporate sponsorship and members at the same time.

"There are hundreds of businesses here in Onekawa for us to tap into," said Sutherland. "Remember the days when people had to queue for a court during their lunch break? Hopefully those days will return too.

"We've got a five-year plan which will also see renovations and rebuilding of club facilities."

Sutherland pointed out the hosting of two major national fixtures this year, the North Island junior championships from July 8-11 and the Cousins Shield and Mitchell Cup tournament from July 23-25, will be a big boost for the club.

Three club members expected to shine at the North Island junior champs are Bryce and Todd Redman and Liam O'Shaughnessy. They have all been members of the national training squad in the build-up to the August world championships in Ecuador.

"They're among a bunch of 50 keen juniors we have. Naturally we would like more," said Sutherland.