N.Z. Wins Foursomes, Leads Aust., 3-1

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31784, 14 September 1968, Page 15

N.Z. Wins Foursomes, Leads Aust., 3-1

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. The scratch combination of Misses U. Wickham , and C. Sullivan were the New Zealand heroines yesterday in the Tasman Cup women’s golf international with Australia at the Heretaunga course. They set the stage for New Zealand’s first win in the competition in 30 years.

They won both their foursomes, combining in grand style, to assist New Zealand to a 3-1 lead, with eight singles to be played today.

Miss Wickham, who first represented New Zealand in 1953, also played the shot of the day.

In the morning foursomes ■gainst the top Australian pairing of Miss B. Dalgleish and Mrs J. Perkins, she played a magnificent seven iron from rough, over trees and a greenside bunker to within three feet of the hole It resulted in a certain four to New Zealand, and after the Australians chipped and two-putted. New Zealand went to a one up lead, and continued to stay ahead until the Australians three-putted the seventeenth and lost the match, 2 and 1. Miss Sullivan's debut In international women's golf was highly successful. She played many fine shots. Throughout the day, the New Zealand pair three-putted only once. In the afternoon, they went to three up after six holes against Mrs J. Howe and Miss Kenny, and never looked like surrendering their lead. Despite the strong winds ■nd low temperatures, the large crowd was rewarded by some first-rate golf. The top

New Zealand combination of Mrs J. Whitehead and Miss G. Taylor had a good win over Misses Howe and Kenny in the morning foursomes. Much of Mrs Whitehead’s play bore the stamp of true class and she was more than adequately supported by Miss Taylor. Australia’s one victory came in the top foursomes where Miss Dalgleish and Mrs Perkins played some wonderful golf to beat Miss Whitehead and Miss Taylor, 4 and 3. The Australians were only one over the card when the match ended. A triple birdie burst, on the fifth, sixth and seventh holes, was a telling blow in favour of the visitors.

At the fifth, Mrs Perkins put her tee shot five feet from the hole and Miss Dalgleish sank the putt. At the sixth, it was Mrs Perkins's turn to sink a six-footer, and at the next hole her chip ended 2ft away for a comfortable birdie four. Putting Troubles ■ Mrs Whitehead and Miss Taylor could not get the vital 6ft and Bft putts, but Miss Taylor had the distinction of hitting the best tee shot of the match—a superb two wood to within six feet of the hole at the par-three ninth. Although the Australians had no excuses, it was obvious that the cold weather affected

them more than the New Zealanders. At the end of the day’s play Miss Dalgleish admitted that she had had considerable trouble in the morning. “It was so cold. When we were able to put slacks on for the afternoon round it made it much warmer and much more bearable,” she said. The New Zealand team, ,it appeared, also judged the wind better on many occasions but the varying gusts made consistent play difficult. Each side has made a change for today’s singles, Miss N. I. White replacing Miss Sullivan and Miss H. Kerr playing instead of Miss Kenny. Yesterday’s results (New Zealand names first): Mrs J. Whitehead and Miss G. Taylor beat Mrs J. Howe and Miss A. Kenny. 2 and 1. Miss IT. Wickham and Miss C. Sullivan beat Miss B. Dalgleish and Mrs J. Perkins, 2 and 1. Mrs Whitehead and Miss Taylor lost to Miss Dalgleish and Mrs Perkins, 4 and 3. Miss Wickham , and Miss Sullivan beat Miss Kenny and Mrs Howe, 4 and 3. Today's draw is: Miss Wickham v. Miss Dalgleish. Mrs Whitehead v. Mrs Perkins. Miss Taylor v. Miss Howe, Miss While v. Miss Kerr, Mrs Whitehead v. Miss Dalgleish. Miss Wickham v. Mrs Perkins. Miss White v. Mrs Howe, Miss Taylor v. Miss Kerr.