Whanganui players feature in Squash Central's win over Waikato

The six-strong Squash Central men's team (from left) Allan Bailey, Hugh Jackson, Kent Darlington (Whanganui), Jordan Bell, Dylan Budge and Bryce McKenzie (Rivercity) beat Waikato.

Whanganui players were driving forces in Squash Central's dominant 16-8 win over Waikato at the weekend.

Kent Darlington (Whanganui), Bryce McKenzie (Rivercity) and Di Tasker (Rangitikei) were part of the 12-strong Squash Central senior representative team that defeated Waikato at the Taumaranui Squash Club. Rod Bannister (Whanganui) was the manager/coach along with Grant Watts (SquashGym).

The tie included six-strong woman and men's teams take on their counterparts playing two matches in the day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Darlington played No1 for Central taking on the Waikato No1 and 2 winning one and losing one, while McKenzie, who was making his rep debut, played No6 against the Waikato No5 and No6 also winning one and losing one. Tasker playing No5, won both her matches.

Former Commonwealth medallist Tamsyn Leevey (KP) had to pull out of the Whanganui Squash Open with work commitments last week, but bounced back to win both her games for Central at the weekend.

It was the fourth year that the annual challenge had been contested, this year hosted by Waikato and the first time that Central has come out on top.

Whanganui player results

Men

Kent Darlington beat Liam McDonald 11/2, 7/11, 11/5, 11/3 and lost versus Angus MacDonald 11/9, 9/11, 0/11, 11/8, 7/11.

Bryce McKenzie beat Sam Anderson 11/6, 12/14, 8/11, 11/8, 11/6 and lost to Stuart Martin 11/7, 11/7, 4/11, 12/14, 9/11.

Women

Di Tasker beat Tracy Browne 9/11, 11/5, 11/5, 11/4 beat Brittney Hill 6/11, 8/11, 12/10, 11/5, 11/7.