N.Z. loses bridge

Press, 6 March 1978, Page 6

N.Z. loses bridge

Special correspondent The Australian women’s contract bridge team beat the New Zealand women’s team 279 points to 197 at the Christchurch Contract Bridge Club’s rooms on Saturday and yesterday. The first period of 18 boards on Saturday afternoon was disastrous for New Zealand. It conceded 43 international match points. The second period was more even, but Australia added another four points. New Zealand made a strong recovery in the ■ third session and gained 27 I points on the Australians. This, (left New Zealand 20 behind, a, 'negligible margin In this type of; i competition. ■ The match was at the half-; ■way point at this stage and very; open. But yesterday Australia proved itself the better side. Playing with great determination lit picked up 57 giving it

a lead- of 77 before the final' period. New Zealand could only play; for wild swinging cards on the] last 16 boards, but their hands ran flat and a further five points were lost. There was added incentive in this years annual match. The winner earned the right to represent the South Pacific zone In the women’s world championships for the Venic Trophy in New Orleans in June. On its performance at the week-end Australia will be a worthy representative.

The teams were:— New Zealand. —Mrs J. Cormack and Mrs E. Taylor (Auckland), i Mrs R. Cunningham and Mrs S. I Seeker (Wellington), Mrs V. Ball ] and Mrs N. Mather (ChrlstI church). Australia. —Mrs C. Miles (Adelaide) and Mrs C. Lester (Perth), I Mrs E. Havas (Canberra) and : Miss B. McDonald (Sydney), Mrs I. Dahler (Toowoomba) and Mrs F. Landy (Brisbane). *'