Masterton club's reputation grows after NZ selections

Masterton petanque talent has been impressing the national judges, with three club players selected for the New Zealand senior team, and one in the running for the New Zealand open women's.
Helene Hay, Joan Miller and Graeme Morris have been selected, and Barbara Johnson is through to the final eight who are competing for places in the open women's.
Mr Morris said there had also been another couple of Masterton players who were ''a bit unlucky to miss out'' on a place in the senior team.
The Masterton club is strong nationally, Mr Morris said, and players here tend to have well-rounded skills, as the club plays so much.
''It's a serious game, as well as social, and we can be very competitive.''
''We have a good base of players who consistently play in inter-club competitions, and we play among ourselves a lot, so I think that starts to bring the level of all the players up.''
Mr Morris said he is looking forward to the Transtasman Challenge, which will be held in Auckland this year. This was his second year as part of the New Zealand team, and the fourth for Ms Miller.
''Last year in Sydney, New Zealand's senior and open teams both successfully defended titles, so this will be the third year in a row that we'll be looking to win it,'' he said.
Masterton Petanque Club will host their annual triples tournament today and tomorrow at Queen Elizabeth Park. There is a full house, with 16 teams of three from Masterton, Hawke's Bay, Wanganui, Manawatu, Kapiti and Wellington.
''They like to try different combinations, to work with them and improve,'' Mr Morris said.
As well as a Masterton team, there will be several teams with additional Masterton players in them, he said.
''It's a good tournament to win. It'd be nice if someone from Masterton is in the winning team.''