Wanganui start strong in E-grade nationals

Squash PHOTO/FILE

Wanganui Squash Club's men's team have had a good start to the E-grade nationals on home courts with back-to-back wins on Wednesday and yesterday.

The No1 seeds, Wanganui beat Waikato champions Matamata in 4-1 their opening matchup on Wednesday.

Coach John Roestenburg said their top two players, Hamza Ali and Shanan Whitlock, dominated their opponents - Whitlock's man only getting 10 points in three games.

Wade Coneybeer also played strongly with some tight serving, while Cullinane College student James McKenzie out-rallied his fellow youngster in a very tight tussle.

The roll continued yesterday morning as Wanganui swept the Christchurch club 5-0, with manager Rob Moore saying Whitlock was again outstanding.

At press time yesterday, the team were into their evening game with the Wellington representatives Thorndon, and were tied 1-1.

Ohakune Squash Rackets Club's women's team are also competing in their 10-team competition as the second seeds.

Pool play continues today.