Golf: Grange fights off loss

By BOB PEARCE

The Grange Golf Club staged an amazing comeback to win the Auckland premier pennants title at Remuera yesterday.

The Papatoetoe-based club, beaten finalists last year, were 4-1 down to Maungakiekie after the morning foursomes.

All but one of the afternoon singles matches were close but in the final stages Grange players tended to prevail for seven wins and an 8-7 victory overall.

In other finals, Manukau thrashed Aviation 131/2-11/2 in the president's grade, Akarana beat Auckland 111/2-31/2 in the reserve grade and Titirangi downed Aviation 94-86 in the handicap section.

At the prizegiving, Auckland Golf announced the appointment of one of New Zealand's outstanding coaches, Bob McDonald, as technical director for a talent development programme.

At Muriwai, North Shore club player Jo Little upset the favourites to win the North Harbour women's matchplay.

In the final she beat New Zealand representative Anita Boon from the home club one up.

Earlier, Sandie Jennins (Pupuke) had upset the national champion, Angela Hawkes (Arrowtown) in the quarter-finals.