Golf: NZ women golfers lose to Australia

CHRISTCHURCH - Australia might recommend that Russley be the permanent venue for the Tasman Cup tie when they next play the biennial women's golf contest in New Zealand.

Until their 21-15 win at Russley yesterday in the transtasman challenge, Australia had not beaten New Zealand away from home since 1983 and that success was also achieved at Russley. They have, however, won 24 of the 34 contests.

Australia started the second and final day ahead 10-8 after winning the foursomes 2-1 and sharing the reverse singles 3-3 on Saturday.

New Zealand desperately wanted to win two of the three four-ball contests yesterday morning to have the scores level starting the singles, but had to accept just the one victory.

The New Zealand foursomes champions, Catherine Knight, of Canterbury, and North Harbour's Anita Boon, backed up their Saturday foursomes win with success at the last, Knight being especially impressive.

Faced with the daunting task of having to win four and halve another of the six singles, New Zealand had an early success, Wellington birthday girl Hee-Jeong Chun winning the bottom game at the 14th.

But New Zealand's hopes were soon dashed with No 2 Knight, so strong when in partnership, out of sorts in the singles against Helen Beatty, who had two early birdies. Knight lost the first four holes and the match at the 14th.

Australian newcomers Cherie Byrnes and Nadina Taylor ensured the visitors had to endure no nailbiting.

They both won at the 15th, Byrnes inflicting the first loss on New Zealand debutante Boon.

New Zealand's second win came from Wendy Hawkes, who regularly traded birdies with long-hitting Australian No 2 Lindsey Wright.