The match was to be held over 36 holes but a delayed start, due to the strong frost, meant that the match was reduced to one round.
Monica Tulisi, the town No 1, showed the way to lead Alex Crook (Cromwell) by five at the turn.
Tulisi won the first three holes on the homeward nine to finish the match and claim No 1 position in the Otago team which will play in the quadrangular tournament next weekend.
Kathryn Fletcher (Otago) claimed No 2 spot in the team by beating Liz McRae (Wanaka) on the 17th green.
The battle between Julie Cooper and Maria Archanic at No 3 and that between Pauline Hoque and junior Sharni Arona at No 4 both ended in a tie.
Experienced campaigners Susan Greig (St Clair) and Dianne Gillett (Otago) posted good wins for the town team at No 5 and No 6 respectively but neither were available for Otago selection.
Barb Baylis and Lynda Cook had two good wins for the country team, winning in 12 and 13 holes respectively, while Jan Munden (Otago) beat Marilyn Steel to give the town six wins.
The final two matches on the course were to decide the outcome with town needing at least a half or country would retain the trophy. P. J. Bardsley halved the final hole to clinch a one up win while Margaret Robertson won the final hole to achieve the same result.
• Chisholm Park's Philip Bungard and Matt Booth made the most of playing at home to lead the first trial tournament which was played over 36 holes at Chisholm Park yesterday.
Bungard came from behind to score 75 in the morning and 72 in the afternoon to win the event by one stroke from Booth.
Booth scored 72 in the morning to lead the field but his five-over-par 76 in the afternoon cost him dearly.
Brent McEwan (St Clair) came in third place, one stroke back, with rounds of 73 and 76.
Despite the fine weather, the scoring was a little disappointing with no sub-par or even par rounds in the opening event of the season.
Selectors Murray Rose (convener) and his brother Alan will be looking for some improved form from players in the coming events.
Bungard's morning round contained seven bogeys and three birdies while in the afternoon he made four birdies.
The next main trial event will be played over 72 holes on the North Otago course next month.
