Wigley siblings earn Aussie squash call-up

SQUASH siblings Dylan and Jaida Wigley have capped off a standout week in Cairns with selection in the Australian Combined High Schools (CHS) team to face New Zealand in the annual Trans-Tasman challenge.

Representing New South Wales over four days of competition against New Zealand and Queensland, the Orara High School pair were named in the national side during the event’s presentation night – and suited up for Australia on the fifth and final day.

Fifteen-year-old Dylan said the week didn’t start as planned but ended on a high.

“I was 2-1 up against Queensland’s number three on his home courts but ended up losing 3-2,” he said.

“That was tough, but I bounced back to beat New Zealand’s number two, three and four.”

He saved his best for last.

“My final match for NSW, against the Queensland number two, was my best.

“After an inspirational team talk, I won 3-0, so I was stoked to finish strong.

“I was thrilled to be named at number four in the five-player team.

“I lost 3-1 to my Kiwi opponent but it was a fantastic week, we even exchanged shirts after the match.”

Younger sister Jaida, 14, also delivered.

“I struggled early against the older New Zealand number one and two,” she said.

“But I beat the Queensland number one 3-2, and on day five I played my best squash, [with] a 3-0 win over my New Zealand opponent to earn points for Australia.”

The siblings’ CHS journey has been six months in the making, beginning in March at the Coffs Harbour Squash Club where they represented Orara High School.

From there, they earned selection for North Coast, competing in Sydney under coach Nathan Beal of Bellingen High School. Strong performances in the teams and individual events in Sydney led to their NSW call-up under Tegan Morgan from Grafton High School.

“Combined High Schools has been a great experience and a great way to meet new people,” Jaida said.