Otago teams had a clean sweep over the weekend, with the senior, masters (over-40) and under-21 teams all posting wins in fine conditions over 36 holes in the men's triangular tournament on the Wanaka golf course.
In the senior division, Otago downed Aorangi 7-3 but the 10-man team struggled against Southland and edged ahead through a strong finish by three of the top six players on the final holes.
A poor finish on Saturday afternoon placed Southland in a strong position, as it led 3.5-1.5 with five games to come.
Southland only needed two games yesterday morning to clinch the win but Otago secured four of the final five matches.
Andrew Hobbs (St Clair) led the way in style playing at No 2.
He defeated New Zealand representative and Taieri Classic winner Vaughan McCall 3 and 2.
Hobbs, who has been in good form this season, came home in 32 to beat an in-form McCall, who will play for New Zealand in the Four Nations tournament at The Hills this week.
Other crucial wins included Tyrone Ratahi over Matt Tautari, Mitch Bosley over Scott Hellier and Cameron Grant over Tegan Proudfoot.
Otago No 1 Brent McEwan also posted a pleasing win over Aorangi's promising junior Tim Leonard, after trailing for much of the match.
For Otago, Bosley (No 6), Thomas Facer (No 9) and Cameron Grant (No 10) had two wins, while Luke Murdoch (No 7) emerged unbeaten with a win and a half.
The Otago masters also had a close call against Southland before winning by a single games.
The Southland juniors were no match for Otago and only No 1 Morgan Will emerged on the credit side of the ledger, with two wins.
The course was playing hard and approaches were not easy but the top Otago players should have gained confidence with their putting on the immaculate greens.
The next trial fixture will be the Otago Matchplay Championships at Balmacewen during Labour Day weekend.
