Women lead the way; men stumble early

Sumin Kang. Photo: Getty Images
Sumin Kang. Photo: Getty Images
Otago made a stunning start on the women’s side at the New Zealand interprovincial tournament in the Bay of Plenty yesterday.

But the men will need to bounce back quickly from a first-up loss.

Otago’s women started the week in fine style with two victories against North Island teams.

They opened with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Wellington at the Tauranga course, before pipping Waikato 3-2.

Young No 1 Sumin Kang led the way for Otago in the morning round with an 8 and 7 demolition of Wellington’s Yewoo Hyun.

Yoonae Jeong (4 and 2), Abby Crawford (3 and 2) and Judith Yates (1-up) also had wins for Otago, while Tracey Storer had a 3 and 1 loss.

In the afternoon round, Otago again flourished at the top as Kang (2 and 1) and Yeong (3 and 2) played consistently well, while North Otago’s Yates continued her wonderful start with a 5 and 4 win.

Otago moves to the Omanu club today to play Auckland this morning before the bye.

The Otago men’s team started its week with a 3-2 loss to Northland at the Omanu club.

The middle order was strong with No 2 Jacob Bellamy (5 and 4) and No 3 Brandon Hodgson (2 and 1) sealing wins.

No 1 Inia Logan took his match long before being pipped 2 and 1 by Dale Clarke, while Parker Aluesi (7 and 6) and William McLauchlan (4 and 2) battled to losses on debut.

Otago’s men transfer to the Tauranga course today for clashes against Poverty Bay-East Coast and Manawatu-Whanganui.