Golf: Youngest combinations finish first day unbowed

Auckland and North Harbour, the two youngest combinations on show, remain unbeaten after the first day of the national women's interprovincials in New Plymouth yesterday.

Strong and chilling morning winds at the Westown Golf Club gave way in the afternoon to sunshine and some warming results for the largely teenage northern talent in the Lion Foundation-sponsored championship.

Auckland eased home 4-1 in the morning over a makeshift Northland combination knocked by the withdrawal of sisters Caroline and Jessica Bon because of a family tragedy when their home was razed by fire on Monday.

The only loss was at the top of the order where Samantha Dangen was too strong for 14-year-old Enu Chung.

Harbour squeaked into action in the morning, held to a half by Otago, who were not expected to be prominent after losing the services of the Hawkes sisters, Wendy and Angela. The main surprise came when Otago's new No 1, Susan Wilson, beat international Anita Boon at the last.

But Harbour bounced back in the afternoon with a superb 4-1 win over the experienced hosts, Taranaki, a line-up with a combined age close to that of the North Harbour and Auckland golfers together.

It was no easy victory. Their four wins were not achieved until the 17th green, the best going to 14-year-old Rangitoto College pupil Bobea Park, home 2 and 1 over the experienced Debbie McCallum.

The win left Harbour and Otago sharing the lead in section one.

Today, Auckland should grab two wins over South Canterbury and Otago, and Harbour should be untroubled against South Canterbury in their only match.

Manawatu-Wanganui and Canterbury, who have had little success in recent years, scored two wins to lead section two.

Last year's semifinalists all received a bye on the opening day, but all won their opening games. Defending champions Waikato-King Country whitewashed South Canterbury 5-0 and Bay of Plenty Thames Valley accounted for Southland 4-1.