Squash: Whanganui players on podium at national masters

Whanganui's Rod Bannister swipes a back hand during his 3-1 win over Canterbury's Grant Craig to take third in the 50-54 draw at the National Masters Squash Champs in Tauranga.

Whanganui A-grade squash duo Kent Darlington and Rod Bannister returned from a hard five-day slog at the NZ Masters Squash Champs with podium results.

This year's event was played at the Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre in Tauranga, attracting more than 200 players from all over the country - including former pros, world champs, national reps and legends of the sport.

Darlington, who contested the men's 40-44 age group, continued his season's exceptional form by taking second spot, while Squash Central district coach Rod Bannister took third place in the men's 50-54 draw after limited competition play over the past 18 months.

Both players contested the district teams event the day after the individuals, representing Central, and continued their top form by winning three from three.

Central finished the teams event in sixth place.

Darlington gets no rest, coming straight back to play in the Whanganui Club Champs doubles event that continues through until tomorrow, while Bannister will contest a local tournament in Feilding this coming weekend.

Next years NZ Masters Champs will be played at the Timaru Squash Club.