Sam Coughlan

Fresh off defending their title as Canterbury champions, the Kaiapoi Queens have headed into the national championship with confidence on home soil.

The Crusaders have opted for experience over youth to face the Fijian Drua in Lautoka on Saturday as try to avoid a 0-3 start to the season for the first time since 1996.

Few know Shirley Links better than course superintendent Mark Lawson who will compete in the NZ Hickory Open there from Tuesday.

Christchurch United will have their first chance to pick up silverware in 2024 when they take on Wellington Olympic in the pre-season Charity Cup.

In 1974 the Lancaster Park colts cricket team went on a five-match tour of Melbourne - now 50 years later they have reunited for a weekend of fun on and off the field.