Whanganui's Shane Wilson held up his end of the bargain in his first test for New Zealand against Australia in Taupo over Easter weekend.
The 50-year-old was selected to play for the New Zealand over 40 team in the annual New Zealand Veteran's Table Tennis Trans-Tasman test, winning 3-2 with Christchurch doubles partner Simon Fenwick.
The annual event, this season at the Taupo Events Centre, pits two-men teams in each of the age groups (over 40, 50, 60, 65 and 70) against their Australia rivals with scores tallied to find an overall winner.
"We won our over 40s division, but unfortunately the Australians won 32-18 overall to take the trophy," Wilson sid.
"I've been playing for about 35 years, but this was my first time playing for New Zealand. I think the over 40 women and over 70s men were the only other Kiwi sides to win. We each play two singles then compete in a doubles match to deterime the winners.