Bowls: NZ pair, triple keep up unbeaten form

JOHANNESBURG - The New Zealand pair of Paul Girdler and Russell Meyer have survived another heart-stopping match at the men's world bowls championships in South Africa to maintain the Kiwis' unbeaten record.

Girdler and Meyer, a new combination at international level, faced another true test of character before squeezing past Malaysia 21-20 to top their section after rivals Ireland were held to a draw and Australia lost.

The Kiwis' one-point triumph follows previous narrow victories over Guernsey 18-16, Jersey 18-15 and Argentina 19-18.

They had more breathing space in their second match yesterday, overcoming Fiji 20-13 to carry a perfect six-from-six record into their last pool clashes with Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland and Zambia.

"We have still got a lot of work to do. We are just trying to keep ahead of the bunch," said team manager Peter Kean.

The triple of Andrew Curtain, Rowan Brassey and Peter Belliss also maintained their unbeaten record, chalking up an impressive 22-9 win over the previously unbeaten Zimbabwe.

In their second game, the trio comfortably beat Swaziland 23-7.

Kean said the players had to endure cold temperatures at the Johannesburg venue, and slow greens, running at a snail's-pace eight seconds.

- NZPA