Curlers off to Melbourne

Press, 24 May 1988, Page 44

Curlers off to Melbourne

PA Dunedin The first New Zealand curling team to visit Australia since 1935 leaves for Melbourne today. Led by Wilson Mawhinney, of the Balmoral Curling Club (Ranfurly), and Vai Farquhar, of Pioneer Women (Naseby), the 27, players and six supporters will play a bicentennial bonspiel against Australia from May 28 to 30.

Other matches will also be arranged in Mel-

bourne, the only centre in Australia where curling is played. .

The last time an Australian team toured New Zealand was in 1934. But this time women are in the official team.

Although international curling has long accepted women as players, it is only in the last few years the New Zealand curling province has accorded them equal status, including the right to be initiated into the secrets of

the “curlers court.” The captain, Mawhinney, said the team had every chance of doing well at the bonspiel, because several of New Zealand’s best players were making the; tour. He anticipated, however, that i like other overseas tours by New Zealand curlers, there would be difficulties adjusting to play on indoor artificial ice. Central Otago clubs play a traditional Scottish

style of the game on outdoor ice. The New Zealand team is:— Women: Pauline Carson, Vai Farquhar, Helen Greer, Patricia Hayes, Debbie Little, Gay Mawhinney. Men: Merv Anderson, Peter Becker, Les Creighton, Bob Dobson, Lloyd Hamilton, Scobie Harley, Albert Harrex, Bill Hickey, Merv Jamieson, Kevin Kearney, Dave Little, Wilson Mawhinney, Baden Partridge, Bob Rodgers, John Scott, Dave Swiffen, Dave Weyer, Graham White.