Kiwis battle rain for win

CROQUET
Enhanced depth among the New Zealand women was a feature of the trans-Tasman series, which wrapped up at Takaro and the Rose Gardens Club yesterday.

New Zealand won its fifth straight series in the mixed event, with two test wins over Australia and one draw. Coach Kevin Fellows was proud of his team's control during the three days of heavy rain on slow lawns.

"Five in a row is absolutely fantastic," said Fellows before a celebratory test dinner at Wharerata last night.

"The Australians are so determined - who would think we could win that many in a row. "

The New Zealand women, including Nina Mayard-Husson and Pam Fisher were the real improvers.

"I'd say we're getting further ahead. These are the strongest four women that we've had in any of the five series.

"Pam finally won the long-delayed singles game that took us to a first test draw rather than a loss. Then Nina, our No 4, had an upset win over the Australian No 2."

But the New Zealand men were not to be upstaged.

"We've had all our top men to choose from here. Last time, some weren't available. The last singles games to finish the second test were the real highlight with Aaron [Westerby] and Greg [Bryant] both winning in fantastic style in matches, when they looked as if they were going to lose. That took us from a possible, 6-6, to 8-4."

New Zealand held their dominance, to win the third test 7-5.

Australian captain Steve Forster was also pleased, and said the gap between the two sides was closing.

Forster would not predict a result in the next trans-Tasman series in Australia in two years' time, but said his players had plenty to celebrate.

"We haven't had a draw for a long time," Forster said. "We had five new caps with us, and they've seen what international croquet is all about."

The Australian players were to fly home today to prepare for their inter- state competition.

Forster, the world No 25, will represent Australia at the world championships in Florida in May.

Results today from the three-test croquet series
(NZ names first):-

Third test: Fisher lost to Miranda Morgan 26-0 26-3, Sue Lea lost to Margaret Melville 26-12 26-25, Nina Mayard-Husson lost to Verge 26-5 26-17, Jenny Clarke bt Claire Bassett 26-24 26-23, Paddy Chapman bt Bruce Fleming 26-19 26-0tp, Paul Skinley bt Pete Landrebe 26tp-2 26tp-6, Aaron Westerby bt Stephen Forster 26-20 8-26 26tp-0, Greg Bryant lost to Mike Jenner 20-26 26-24 26-0.

New Zealand win third test 7-5.

New Zealand win series 2-0.

- © Fairfax NZ News