Date: May 02, 2008
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Australia defends Trans Tasman Cup in style

Australia has dominated the Trans Tasman Cup, defending the title 25-15 in a weather-affected event at Royal Wellington Golf Club. After escaping with a somewhat fortuitous win on home soil last year, the Aussies were more convincing in New Zealand, winning three of the four team trophies on offer and halving the other. As they did in 2007, the junior women led the way with a 7 to 2 win in the Junior Tasman Trophy. The senior women were also impressive with a 7 to 3 win in the Tasman Cup while the senior men re-claimed the Sloan Morpeth Trophy 5 to 47 . The Clare Higson Trophy for junior boys was retained by New Zealand after a 5-5 half. Going into the final day with a 10-6 lead, Australia kept the pressure on New Zealand in the reverse singles. The visitors knew the importance of a good start and they duly saluted, edging the Kiwis 9-7. Kristie Smith was in hot form once again with a 2/1 win over Dana Kim while Stephanie Na had a strong 6/5 win over Larissa Eruera. Josh Younger was on the mark for the senior men with a 3/2 win over Jared Pender while Matthew Griffin gained 1up revenge over a travel-weary Danny Lee who defeated the Victorian in the quarter-finals of the Srixon Australian Amateur Championships last month. Lee was rushed home to represent his country after playing in the Bonallack Trophy in Spain but lost both of his singles encounters. Australian coach Peter Knight was thrilled with the endeavour shown by his players. “It was still pretty close with a lot of the matches going down to the wire,” he said. “Once again the junior women gave us a flying start as they did last year and the moral support that they gave us at the front of the field was important. “In the end, the wet weather was no disadvantage. You just have to re-adjust and get on with it because you know when the weather turns like that some of the home course advantage is nullified.” Click here for final scores.