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Beacon Bay 100

Beacon Bay 100

What a weekend we had at the Beacon Bay 100 🌊 in East London.

This past weekend, Team Northerns Masters had an absolute blast competing in the Beacon Bay 100 – one of the most enjoyable and well-organised Masters events we’ve ever attended!

The concept is simple, but fantastic – you and your partner’s combined age must be 100 or more to qualify.

We had five teams representing Northerns and proudly competed across three of the four sections. Michelle & Pieter & loyal supporter Lizette, Thea & Izak, Piet & Alicia, Theo & Carin and Michelle Arpin & Gerhard. A total of 37 pairs played in the tournament.

A massive congratulations to Piet & Alicia, who were runners-up in their section – a brilliant performance and a reflection of the strength of our squad! 🥈

The spirit of the tournament was truly special. But what really made it shine was the amazing people, top-tier squash, and an atmosphere that felt like family.

We were absolutely spoiled – water and fruit flowing all day, delicious breakfast buns, and a hearty lunch of lasagne and curry that kept us fuelled for action on the courts.

And let’s not forget the perfect weather, thanks to East London giving us sunshine and smiles all weekend long! ☀

To the organisers and Beacon Bay Country Club – THANK YOU for a smooth-running, superbly hosted event. Your effort and energy didn’t go unnoticed – we felt welcome, supported, and inspired. 🙌

We can’t wait to be back next year – and we’re already counting down the days to the Masters Doubles IPTs in KwaZulu Natal, where we’ll be sure to link up with most of you again! 💪

#TeamNortherns #MastersSquash #BeaconBay100 #SquashFamily #GratefulAndProud #SeeYouNextYear

 

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NMSA Player: Winston Baatjies: A Story of Strength, Recovery and Sporting Excellence

In 2010, Winston Baatjies began to experience a gradual decline in his health, which was later diagnosed as severely impaired liver function. Despite the dedicated efforts of his medical team, his condition worsened over the years, ultimately leading to metabolic liver failure. By 2018, Winston spent the majority of the year in and out of hospitals as his health deteriorated further.

On 15 December 2018, Winston underwent a life-saving liver transplant, receiving a donor liver from a cadaver. Just nine days later, on 24 December, he was discharged from hospital—marking the beginning of an incredible journey of recovery and resilience.
Remarkably, even in the face of metabolic liver failure, Winston maintained an active lifestyle and a commitment to regular exercise. Just three months after his transplant, he was already back on the bike using an indoor trainer. His passion for fitness only grew, leading him to resume gym workouts and return to the squash court.

In 2022, Winston competed in his first National Transplant Games, where he took part in cycling and squash. His outstanding performance earned him qualification for the World Transplant Games, held in April 2023 in Perth, Australia. There, he made an impressive international debut—securing second place in squash and eighth place in cycling in his age category.

Winston’s determination and athletic excellence continued to shine at the 2024 National Transplant Games in Cape Town, where he once again qualified to represent South Africa at the upcoming 2025 World Transplant Games. The event will take place from 17–24 August 2025 in Dresden, Germany. Winston will be competing in cycling, squash, and race walking.
His journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, the gift of organ donation, and the incredible possibilities that arise through perseverance and purpose.
We at Northerns Squash are incredibly proud of Winston and all he has achieved. We wish him all the best in Dresden and hope he returns with gold!