Golf: Waikato make it six from six

By BOB PEARCE

Brad Shilton, discarded by the national selectors, showed he still has the game by launching Waikato into the semifinals of the interprovincial tournament with a flourish yesterday.

The Te Awamutu player, who played at the 2002 Eisenhower tournament, was one down with three holes to play against Canterbury No 1 Brad Stuart in the deciding game.

He fired a six-iron to two metres and sank the putt for birdie to draw level. They both eagled the next and Shilton holed another good putt on the last to win one up and secure a 3-2 victory for Waikato.

For the sixth year in a row Waikato will be in the semifinals this morning, playing Wellington. In the other semi, Hawkes Bay, who topped section play with six wins and one game more than Waikato, will meet Bay of Plenty.

Half the field had a chance of making the semis when the final round was played in perfect conditions at the Napier Golf Club. Waikato and Hawkes Bay were in the box seat and Wellington were nearly certain.

North Harbour needed only to beat Hawkes Bay, but Bay of Plenty, downed by Wellington in the morning, Canterbury, Northland and Auckland all also had mathematical chances.

Wellington romped past Tasman to confirm their spot, but North Harbour could manage only half a game against Hawkes Bay, Auckland lost to Aorangi and Northland faded down the stretch against Otago.

Canterbury, shrugging off a surprise loss to Aorangi in the morning, had their noses in front of Waikato with the chance of pipping Bay of Plenty for the last semifinal spot.

Nigel Davis, substituting for Isaac Randall, beat Richard Wright 5 and 3 and Nic Fry ended Mark Purser's perfect record 5 and 4.

But Waikato's left-handed No 5, Guy Penrose, was never in trouble against David Rattray, winning 4 and 3. Mathew Holten made it 2-2 by beating Andrew Searle and Shilton's dream finish clinched it for Waikato.

The pressure came off Bay of Plenty, who now only had to beat Manawatu-Wanganui to advance. They came through in style 4 1/2- 1/2, with only Jason McIntosh not winning.

But the defending champions will need to be at their best to beat the home team this morning. They looked decidedly out of sorts when they lost to Wellington in the morning, with only Josh Geary winning. Terry Hong managed a half, but was inconsistent.

Hawkes Bay have three players, Doug Holloway, Darryn Turley and Norrie Culshaw, who have had 5 1/2 wins, and Supravee Phatam and Nick Radonich have chimed in when required.

Wellington made a poor start to the tournament with a loss to Hawkes Bay, but they appeal as another well-balanced team.

But Waikato have experience on their side.

The final ranking of the other teams contains some surprises. Aorangi were fifth, North Harbour sixth and Taranaki seventh.

Auckland were ninth, Northland 10th and Poverty Bay 14th.