When Auckland's team for the women's interprovincial golf was selected, Alana Wylie resigned herself to the role of volunteer helper at The Grange.
Yesterday she found herself playing for the team at number five and winning her match in a 4- victory over Otago in the bitterly cold conditions. The 17-year-old was rewarded for loyalty to the cause. She had been ranked number eight but when higher ranked players opted out of carrying the drinks as reserve, she put her hand up. Tania Tare and Jane Lee subsequently withdrew and she grabbed her chance on her home course, beating Laura Hoskin 4 and 2.
Auckland, beaten by Waikato in the final last year at Nelson, played once yesterday, dropping only Liv Cheng's half with Kathryn Fletcher. Waikato's only game saw them beat Canterbury 4-1.
Waikato's number one, Emily Perry, lost on the last green to Anita Harkerss.
North Harbour began with two convincing wins. In the morning they had a perfect score against Manawatu-Wanganui and in the afternoon they beat Tasman 3-1.
Twelve-year-old Lydia Ko won her matches at number one 4 and 2 and 6 and 5. There were two wins also for Faye Amy Nickson and Rica Tse.
North Harbour, who have a bye this morning and play Canterbury in the afternoon, lead their section while Wellington, who have dropped only one match in their wins over Hawkes Bay and South Canterbury, head the other.
Northland won their only game against Taranaki, but fellow semifinalists Southland lost to South Canterbury. Bay of Plenty had wins against Otago and Hawkes Bay. Auckland and Wellington meet this morning and South Canterbury in the afternoon. Waikato play Manawatu-Wanganui and Northland. Section play continues until Friday with the semifinals and final on Saturday.
Golf: Loyalty pays for Grange's Alana Wylie
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