Golf: Auckland's fate depends on clash with Waikato

Waikato and Auckland meet this morning in a sixth-round clash which could decide Auckland's fate at the interprovincial golf tournament.

Waikato have won all their matches and share the lead with Hawkes Bay. Auckland are one of five teams with one loss and another defeat would almost certainly scupper their semifinal hopes. A win for Waikato would make them certain semifinalists.

The tournament favourites and defending champions Bay of Plenty were upset yesterday by Hawkes Bay and could miss out if they lose to either Manawatu-Wanganui or Wellington today.

Hawkes Bay's last two opponents are Tasman and North Harbour, and they must be favoured to progress to the semis.

The clash of the two bays produced some fine golf in perfect weather. Norrie Culshaw for the locals was five under after eight holes on his way to beating Jason McIntosh, and Rotorua teenager Jae An holed a four-iron from 178m on the par-five 12th as he accounted for Nick Radonich.

Terry Hong birdied the last to snatch a half from 16-year-old Napier player Supravee Phatam, whose parents had flown in from Thailand to watch their son.

Darryn Turley beat Eisenhower player Josh Geary to put the locals ahead and Doug Holloway made it 3 1/2-1 1/2 with a birdie on the last to beat Mark Smith.

Waikato popped Northland's balloon after their historic win over Auckland on Wednesday. Only Alex Tait of the northerners had a win. Waikato face a tough day today against Auckland and Canterbury, both of whom have had one loss.

Wellington against Bay of Plenty this morning is another key clash. Both have had one loss and a second would dash their chances.

North Harbour ground out a 3-2 victory over Taranaki yesterday and Auckland had a comfortable 4-1 win over Poverty Bay. Bob Pearce