Otago had a win and a loss on the second day of the New Zealand interprovincial men’s tournament yesterday.
After opening the annual championship with a solid win, Otago came back to earth with a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Wellington in the morning round at the Waikanae club.
Phil Bungard, playing his first national interprovincial in 15 years, made it two wins from two matches with a 2 and 1 win over Peter Spearman-Burn at No 5, but Will McLauchlan (4 and 2), Ryan Bellamy (3 and 1), Hamish Ireland and a fit-again Callum Judkins (both 4 and 3) had losses.
In the afternoon, Otago completely dominated Manawatu-Whanganui, winning all five matches.
The Otago men play defending champions Bay of Plenty today.
At Paraparaumu Beach, Otago’s women also had a win and a loss yesterday.
They found the going extremely tough against a classy Waikato team in the morning round, losing 4-1 with some heavy margins.
Otago No 1 Sumin Kang was the shining light with a 4 and 3 win over Suwanna McPhee.
In the afternoon round, Otago beat neighbours Aorangi 4-1.
Kang continued her perfect start to the week with a 3 and 2 win, backed by Yoonae Jeong, Judith Yates (both 2 and 1) and Liz McRae (5 and 4), the manager-reserve standing in for Anahera Koni.
Otago’s women play Northland today.
