Australia Takes Lead In Trans-Tasman Test

The first two rounds of the Masters Trans-Tasman Test Series have wound up with the players now proceeding into the Australian Masters Individual event. Check out the results so far below with a report from Tony Johnston the team Manager.

First Test (Friday)

In front of a very enthusiastic crowd numbering more than 100, NZ went down to Australia 10 matches to 4. With seven current or former World Masters champions in the Australian team, it was always going to be a huge challenge and the very cold conditions made for additional challenges. However, some of the losses were close 5 setters while our wins were in either three or four sets which provided some motivation and optimism for the second test.

Results as follows:

• Jo Shanks beat Sue Davis 11/4, 10/12, 11/6, 11/9
• Sam Atkins lost to Jeff Osborne 6/11, 3/11, 8/11
• Nadine Cull lost to Melissa Martin 9/11, 6/11, 5/11
• Allan Crome lost to Jason Mudge 6/11, 4/11, 3/11
• Lisa Cowlard beat Sarah Nelson 11/8, 11/7, 12/10
• Scott Gardiner lost to Jeff Bond 4/11, 6/11, 4/11
• Kathryn McKay lost to Sue Hillier 9/11, 4/11, 8/11
• Gary Duberly lost to Warren Miller 9/11, 11/7, 11/7, 0/11, 3/11
• Karen Walton lost to Sue Williams 1/11, 8/11, 10/12
• Marty McKelvie lost to Kelvin Smith 6/11, 8/11, 3/11
• Freda Walker lost to Anne Richards 8/11, 8/11, 11/6, 7/11
• Mark Waldin beat Jim Mobbs 5/11, 11/6, 13/11, 11/9
• Judy Smith beat Sue Volzke 12/14, 11/6, 11/5, 12/10
• Wayne Seebeck lost to Brian Cook 11/7, 11/5, 9/11, 10/12, 6/11

Both Mark and Jo looked very strong, and Lisa and Judy played the games of their lives to win in 3 and 4 respectively. Of the losses, the two that could have gone either way were Garry's and Wayne who was up two love against Australian legend Brian Cook only to lose in five.

Second Test (Saturday)

Another big crowd turned out to watch the second test with first matches beginning at 1pm. While the results don't show it, NZ was far more competitive. Mark and Jo continued their good form (this time Mark winning in four and Jo in three), and Wayne had another very hard match against Brian Cook, this time winning in five. Scot Gardiner played better to lose narrowly in five as did Gary, Allan and Nadine. Unluckily, Judy was edged out in a close five setter.

Results as follows:

• Jo Shanks beat Sue Davis 11/3, 11/6, 11/3
• Sam Atkins lost to Jeff Osborne 9/11, 8/11, 10/12
• Nadine Cull lost to Melissa Martin 3/11, 10/12, 11/5, 6/11
• Allan Crome lost to Jason Mudge 3/11, 12/10, 2/11, 6/11
• Lisa Cowlard lost to Sarah Nelson 7/11, 9/11, 6/11
• Scot Gardiner lost to Jeff Bond 4/11, 5/11, 11/8, 11/8, 6/11
• Kathryn McKay lost to Sue Hillier 5/11, 7/11, 5/11
• Gary Duberly lost to Warren Miller 11/7, 6/11, 12/10, 7/11, 4/11
• Karen Walton lost to Sue Williams 7/11, 3/11, 7/11
• Marty McKelvie lost to Kelvin Smith 4/11, 6/11, 10/12
• Freda Walker lost to Anne Richards 9/11, 11/13, 5/11
• Mark Waldin beat Jim Mobbs 11/9, 11/13, 12/10, 11/4
• Judy Smith lost to Sue Volzke 7/11, 11/7, 11/6, 5/11, 8/11
• Wayne Seebeck beat Brian Cook 7/11, 11/6, 11/5, 3/11, 11/4

Sunday was a rest day and the Australian Masters Individual Champs are being held Monday to Friday. The third Trans Tasman Test will be held on Saturday 9th September with the team returning home on Sunday 10th.

First Day of Individuals (Monday)

There were no shocks for the New Zealand team members today with all progressing smoothly into the next round.