Waikato Women Win National Title

The Waikato Women’s team won their third National title in four years, at the National Finals held in Palmerston North.  After the first round, Manawatu was leading Waikato by 4 points however the team then fought back strongly in the second round winning all three disciplines. 

In the third round singles player, Doreen Schumacher had a very tough battle with world champion from Nelson Val Smith before going down 21/11. With two wins in a very cold and windy fourth round, Waikato held a four point lead over both Taranaki and Manawatu, and required at least two wins in the fifth and final round to secure the title outright.   The Pairs combination of Annette Bell (skip) and Genevieve Baildon held their nerve in a tough battle with the Taranaki team to win their match, giving the team 18 points overall and a sniff of victory.  

 It then all came down to the result of the final Fours games.  The Waikato team of Bev Corbett (skip), Marina Khan, Val Mathews and Leanne Curry couldn’t hold out the strong Dunedin team however with the other close contenders knocking each other out of contention, Waikato went on to secure the title. 

The Pairs team led the way by winning 4 out of 5 games throughout the event. 

Final Placings:     Waikato 18pts, Manawatu & Dunedin 16pts, Nelson & Northland 14pts, Taranaki 12pts 

Waikato Men place 4th at National Finals

The Waikato Men's team who had also quaified for the National Finals, finished in 4th place.  Singles player, Chris Lourie and the Fours team of Stu Settle (skip), Raika Gregory, Bruce Milne and Henry Te Moni completed the event with 3 wins out of 5 games.  

The Pairs combination of Phil Bennett (skip) and Tony Fabling competed well against some very strong teams however could only register 1 win out of 5 games.

Final Placings:

Manawatu 21pts, Taranaki 18pts, Counties Manukau 17pts, Waikato 14pts, Canterbury 12pts, South Otago 8pts