Golf: Auckland, North Harbour in key clash

Today's Battle of the Bridge may prove pivotal in determining semifinal chances in the women's interprovincial championships at New Plymouth.

Auckland and North Harbour clash this morning, and the loser is likely to need a victory against defending champions Waikato-King Country to force a place in the final four at the Westown Golf Club.

Auckland bagged 9 1/2 games in downing South Canterbury 5-0 and Otago 4 1/2- 1/2 after the latter had taken a valuable point off Waikato-King Country in the morning.

The best of the Aucklanders was Jessica Park, who had an impressive 9 and 8 victory in the morning.

North Harbour, with a bye in the morning, whitewashed South Canterbury 5-0.

Auckland lead section one with six points and 13 games. Harbour and Waikato-King Country are second with five points and 11 games.

Otago and Taranaki are fourth on four points and will need perfect records today to shake the leading trio.

The morning clash between the Taranaki and Northland No 1s, Olivia Hartley and Samantha Dangen, was ruled out with both players disqualified for a rule infraction. Taranaki won 3-1.

Waikato-King Country are still in the race, but the point they unexpectedly dropped against Otago could be costly.

Three teams, Bay of Plenty-Thames Valley, Canterbury and Wellington, share the perfect record in section two with three wins, and all have already had their byes.

Canterbury play Wellington and Bay of Plenty-Thames Valley today.

Bay of Plenty had two victories yesterday. Their new No 1, junior international Penny Newbrook, had good victories over former internationals Debbie Smith (Tasman) and Lisa Herbert (Manawatu-Wanganui).

There are two further rounds today and one tomorrow ahead of the semifinals and finals on Saturday.