Young squash ace tames Aussies | Bay of Plenty Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Bay of Plenty

As a confidence booster for up-and-coming Kiwis there's little to match a major win in Australia, and at age 12 Alex Revington already knows that satisfaction.

In Adelaide recently with a contingent of young players from Bay of Plenty/Waikato, Alex  won his age division at one Australian national junior tournament and finished runnerup in the series' other event.

The youngster's success in his boys' 13-and-under grade was no flash in the pan either - he notched runnerup and third placings in the same series last year at Rockhampton. Add in his New Zealand under-11 title in 2008 and it's clear the Tauranga Intermediate student is a talent to keep a close eye on.

Alex's respective 1-2 finishes at the Chris Dittmar Challenge (April 3-6) and Vicki Cardwell Classic (April 8-11) weren't the only high notes for Tauranga Squash Club players in Adelaide, either.

Tauranga Boys' College student Ben Grindrod battled through to sixth in the boys' 17-and-under division at the opening event, and lifted his game a notch for fifth-placing at the second fixture.

 Celebrating his 12th birthday while in Australia, Alex took up the sport four years ago, something of a natural progression given that dad John and mum Lynette are longtime social squash players.

 "I like it [squash] because it's high-speed ... It's always a lot of fun," he says.

There's also a healthy appetite for victory driving this budding sportsman, mum Lynette says.

"He's got a strong competitive streak - every time he plays he really wants to win."

Ask Alex about his aim for 2010 and that determination cuts in like a point-clinching volley just above the tin: "I want to win the New Zealand under-13 title."

Tauranga players comprised 10 of the 17-strong team for Adelaide, and the side had a wealth of expertise to draw on. Squash BOP coaching director Robbie Wyatt and four-time world champion Dame Susan Devoy - whose four sons were all in the contingent - accompanied the young players.

Wyatt, who is also Sport Bay of Plenty's Coachforce officer for squash, says Alex's competitive drive is well balanced by sportsmanship.

"He's very controlled and has a great sense of fair play. In fact, I'm pleased that all our Tauranga club kids are respectful on-court and also to coaches and parents.

"Alex's results were fantastic seeing he's at the lower end of his age group. He's currently in D1 grade but in the next grading list he could well go up to C2," Wyatt explains.

Ben Grindrod's fine performances in South Australia were a well-earned payoff for his outstanding dedication in training, Wyatt says.

Other Tauranga players who went to Adelaide were Dame Susan's four sons Alex and Julian Oakley (17-and-under boys), Josh Oakley (15-and-under boys) and Alex Revington's great mate and rival Jamie Oakley (13-and-under boys); along with Diana Moore (17-and-under girls), William Moore (15-and-under boys), Joseph Lyons (15-and-under boys) and Alex Revington's younger brother Jack (13-and-under boys).

From tomorrow Alex Revington and Bay of Plenty junior teammates will be out to defend their title in the annual triangular tournament against Waikato and Auckland, to be played at Whakatane through to Sunday.