Auckland prevail in tight golf final
Auckland were pushed to the very end but they still managed to prevail in the Toro New Zealand Women’s Interprovincial golf tournament on Saturday.
Having dominated all week at the Westown Golf Club in New Plymouth, Auckland went into the final against Bay of Plenty as form favourites, especially after they had beaten Wellington 5-0 in their semifinal.
However, Bay of Plenty refused to buckle and fought back, especially over the back nine and it looked for a time like they might prevail before Auckland managed to edge the two final matches to win their fifth title in the last six years.
Auckland No 2 Munchin Keh got things going for Auckland when she beat Rotana Howard 6 and 5.
It was by far the easiest of the matches with the remaining players literally going hole for hole.
Bay of Plenty evened things up at the top of the order when Alana Campbell beat Rose Zheng 2 and 1 before Auckland also lost the No 3 match when Emmalee Morell prevailed over Siyi Keh.
Auckland held their nerve, though, to finally win in a day when the weather threatened to be the winner.
After only managing to finish fifth last year, Auckland’s performance was more akin to what has been expected from them.
Bay of Plenty had made the final by beating defending champions Canterbury 3-2 in their semifinal.
Player of the tournament was awarded to Munchin Keh after she ended the week with a perfect eight from eight record.
‘‘Oh I’m so stoked at the moment, from last year to this year is so different and we are so happy with this big win,’’ she said..
‘‘It’s always a bonus, I wasn’t too focused on the individual aspect and I just wanted to do my part for the team.
‘‘The girls have done really well and worked really hard for this. This one is one to remember after last year, we wanted it so bad and to complete the week as champions, it’s a great feeling!’’