New Zealand Masters Team Confirmed For Trans-Tasman Series

The New Zealand team has been confirmed for the Trans-Tasman Test Series in Australia on the 7th and 15th of October in Adelaide.

Of particular significance this series is that it is the 25th contest between our two countries for the Vic Belsham Trophy.

Men’s Team:

35+ Oliver Johnston (Canterbury), 40+ Paul Tuffin (Auckland), 45+ Matt Green (Wellington), 50+ Scott Gardiner (Canterbury), 55+ Gary Duberly (Auckland), 60+ Roger Garrett (Auckland), 65+ Mark Waldin (Auckland).

Ladies Team:

35+ Rachel McLeod (Auckland), 40+ Joanna Shanks (Auckland), 45+ Nadine Cull (Waikato), 50+ Lisa Ashton (Auckland), 55+ Vicki Beker (Bay of Plenty) 60+ Karen Walton (Canterbury) 65+ Sandra LeLievre (Bay of Plenty)

A number of the players in this team have a very long history of NZ Masters representation in the various age groups over the years including Mark Waldin, Gary Duberly, and Scott Gardiner, plus others with more than a few tours under their belt as well.

On debut this year are North Shore’s Paul Tuffin, Tawa’s Matt Green, Remuera’s Roger Garrett, North Shore’s Rachel McLeod and Burnside’s Oliver Johnston, although Johnston is no stranger to NZ representation with both NZ Junior and NZ Senior team honours already under his belt as well.

The team will travel to Adelaide 6-16 October accompanied by NZ Masters Director Fran Hopkins, who will travel with the team as manager.

Tasked with choosing 14 players to represent New Zealand in this event, one in each of the relevant age groups, coupled with the Australia Masters Association Individual Age Group Championships between the 2nd and 3rd Tests, the 3 Selectors put considerable thought over the past six months into the make-up of this team based on wide ranging criteria and guidelines.

Some positions were relatively clearcut while with others, there was very little to distinguish between the very high quality of contenders.

Credit must go to all players in contention for this prestigious opportunity, considerable commitment is required to maintain the standard of play required consistently during the selection process/period with potential disappointment, for some  unavoidable. We believe we have selected a team which will do New Zealand proud, and know that if there are injuries or withdrawals, we have strong backups in all the age bands also to choose from.

2022 Masters Selectors: Fran Hopkins - Covenor  (Waikato), Tony Johnston (Otago), Scott Gardiner (Canterbury)

(Pictured - 2017 Trans-Tasman Test Series teams)