Manawatu lock up semifinal berth with win

Manawatu has pulled clear at the top of the A pennants standings after winning a close-fought battle with Taihape in Wanganui on Sunday.

The reigning champions won 7 1/2-4 1/2 as they continue to shape as hot favourites for another title.

It had looked to be all one-way traffic after the foursomes as Manawatu led 3-1. But Taihape put up more of a fight in the singles.

Matt Thomas, Koke Cashell and Duane Dick all won for Taihape, while Gary Thomas squared his match with Trent Munn.

Manawatu bounced back with wins to Matt Francis, Angus Findlay, Greg Shaw and Regan Mcconaghty, locking in their spot in the pennants semifinals with two rounds to play.

Palmerston North recovered from their upset loss to Taihape last round by beating up on Tawhero 9 1/2-2 1/2.

Tawhero’s Riki Kauika (one-up over Junior Tatana) was the only winner in the singles with Ben Potaka also squaring his match with Bradley Mcsherry. The club alsohad a win in the foursomes.

Hosts Wanganui’s lower order helped them hammer Feilding 8 1/2-3 1/2.

After leading 3-1 at the end of the foursomes, they were in control and that continued with their No 4 through to No 8 all getting wins in the singles.

Feilding’s wins in the singles came from Ben Anderson and Liam Finlayson, while Mike Atkins squared his match with Phil Hooper. Foxton continued Levin’s winless season as they beat them 6 1/2-5 1/2.

The foursomes were squared 2-all, and the singles were similarly even with the No 1s effectively left to battle for the win. Foxton’s Lance Knowles won that fixture two-up over Shaun Millard.