Golf: Teams queuing for tilt at semis action

By BOB PEARCE

Waikato play Otago this morning in the interprovincial golf championships at New Plymouth, and the winner is almost certain of a spot in the semifinals on Saturday.

After four rounds, Waikato have a perfect record of three wins and a bye, and Otago have two draws and two wins.

Behind them lie eight teams with two wins in what is the most even tournament in years.

The two rounds played in the Tower-sponsored event yesterday produced upsets and dramatic form reversals.

Champions Canterbury were beaten 5-0 by Hawkes Bay in the morning, the first red and black whitewash anyone can remember. After a team tongue-lashing behind the clubhouse, the Cantabrians returned to down previously unbeaten North Harbour 3 1/2 - 1 1/2 .

Auckland, one of the teams with two wins, were upset by Southland in the morning but spoilt Hawkes Bay's celebrations 3-2 in the afternoon.

Waikato cruised past the turmoil, beating Northland and Poverty Bay without losing a game.

No 1 Mathew Holten caused some concern by losing the first four holes to Colin Jeffrey, a late replacement in the Poverty Bay team. But he found his touch to win 3 and 1.

Otago's top three, Ben Gallie, Bruce Grant and Brent McEwan, were all winners in their one match yesterday, a 3 1/2 - 1 1/2 victory over Bay of Plenty, and their clash with Holten, Brad Shilton and Glenn Millin will be intriguing.

Auckland play Canterbury today with both teams under pressure. Clarke Osborne has been the cornerstone of the Auckland team with three wins at No 3, and Franz Schwanner and Andrew Lawson had their first wins to beat Hawkes Bay.

North Harbour should regain their momentum against Aorangi today after copping the backlash from Canterbury's big loss.

Josh Carmichael was the only winner against Canterbury, and Sam Sullivan lost the last two holes for a half. No 3 Phil Mosley is still without a win after Andrew Hobbs rallied late to win 2 and 1.

The semifinalists are drawn from the full field, not from sections, and with the teams so close individual games will be crucial in the one round today and the two tomorrow.