‘If I keep waking up, I’ll keep playing,’ says winner

Competing in a squash game on Saturday are John Scully (left) and Eddie Delahunty. Photo:...
Competing in a squash game on Saturday are John Scully (left) and Eddie Delahunty. Photo: Christine O'Connor
Squash is the most vigorous of sports.

Stretching for the ball at high speed puts a lot of strain on the body. Many an Achilles has been stretched and many backs have come under pressure.

Surely it is a young man’s game.

Two veterans went into battle on Saturday and it was indeed the younger man who came out on top — although he is 76.

John Scully, from Melbourne, was too good for Eddie Delahunty (82), of Wellington.

Delahunty starting playing squash when he was 44 and said the only thing that had  interrupted his playing since was operations.

He has had two hip surgeries and said he felt like a new person. He plays regularly at a club in Petone that boasts a sauna, which he considers a luxury.

Scully plays squash at the Mulgrave Country Club. He took up the sport when he was 50. He advised anyone thinking of taking it up to get fit first. Both agree it’s a sport you can play all year round.‘‘It’s all about just  getting the ball back legally, Scully said.

"I love it; if I keep waking up, I’ll keep playing."

Delahunty’s motto is "never stop or you won’t be able to start again".

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