Return of experienced Hoskin boosts Otago

THE return of Laura Hoskin (Arrowtown) from the United States has given the Otago women’s team a boost going into the Toro interprovincial tournament at Waitikiri in Christchurch from December 48.

Hoskin is a genuine No 1, as she showed with four wins from four outings in the South Island teams event on the Otatara course in Invercargill recently.

In the last two years, firstly Abigael Crawford (St Clair) and then Danielle Bailey (Wakatipu Junior) have been thrust into the

top position to come up against the best in the country.

It was in Crawford’s second year in the team that she played No 1 , while Bailey had to make her debut at that level last year.

By contrast Hoskin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, and is almost certain to emerge with a good record this year.

Bailey is named at No 2 and Crawford at No 3 this year, and their stints in the top slot are likely to help them perform well against what should be easier opponents.

Sumin Kang (13, Wakatipu Junior) has a bright future in the game and will be a worthy No 4 at Waitikiri.

The team is anchored by veteran Susan Greig at No 5, who is a top performer in this position.

Greig (nee Wilson) has had her time at No 1, and although she is not as long off the tee nowadays, it would surprise if she was not one of the top tailenders in the tournament.

The team reserve and manager is another veteran Liz McRae (Wanaka) who recently won the ChampionofChampions title at Balmacewen.

This young team has every opportunity of performing well as the quintet is capable of finishing near the top of division two.

Auckland will be the toughest opponent but Otago will be in with a good show against other opponents.