Top-ranked players Matthew Karwalski, of New Lambton, and Heidi Mather, of Belmont, pulled off a hometown double at the tournament, held at Cardiff Sports Centre.

Karwalski, who represented Australia at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, dominated the men's final against Sydney-based NSW Premier League player Brett Hyland in straight games 11-8, 11-8, 11-8.

Karwalski said he was proud to claim the title after finishing runner-up at last year's tournament.

"It's always good to put the home title on the shelf, especially since there's the expectation to do well for your region," he said.

In the women's draw, tournament newcomer Mather dodged a tight first game to pull away from Sydney's Moana Gray 12-10. She returned to win the remaining two games 11-6 a piece.

Formerly ranked number 30 on the World Squash Association tour, Mather returned to the Hunter last October after spending 11 years in the US.

She spent the first five years of her overseas stint playing on the professional circuit against the likes of Michelle Martin and Sarah Fitzgerald, and the next six as head squash coach at Missouri Athletic Club.

Mather said it felt great to return to the region and win a home title.

"I left this area when I was 16 for Brisbane to train with the AIS [Australian Institute of Sport].

"I'd only had a taste of squash in Newcastle as a junior, so to come back and play as an adult was different and exciting ... especially to win in front of a home crowd."

Karwalski and Mather will now turn their attention to the Newcastle Squash Sprint Pennants weekly regional competition, starting this week.