Wanganui squash national masters champion Rod Bannister claimed another regional senior title by winning the Hawera Mens Open at the weekend.
Bannister beat top Hawera local Ross Hewitt in the tournament final, which doubles as selection for the Central Districts senior team going to the NZ Squash nationals.
Bannister won3-0, outplaying the returning Hewitt, who is a former Central Districts player and has represented South Australia as he is now based in Adelaide. While both men have similar rankings in the New Zealand grading system, not to mention Hewitts hometown support in the large gallery, Bannister said he threw an attacking game plan at him throughout the match.
Other members of the Wanganui Squash Club also took part in the open. Kevin Austin was runner-up in the Men's Division One while Shanan Whitlock came fifth. Wade Coneybeer finished sixth overall in Men's Division Two.
Bannister will go to Christchurch in a fortnight to contest the Cousin's Shield teams event. His team will play against the Manawatu Squash Gym team at the Burnside Club courts to decide the top men's club side in the country.
Locally Wanganui Squash Club is accepting entries for the annual B Grade and Below tournament for the Peter Vine Memorial Trophy, held from May 29 to 31.
