New South Wales has left itself with a mountain to climb after day one of the women’s Interstate Teams Championship.
After being blown away by Western Australia in the morning on Royal Melbourne’s East Course, the Blues scrambled to halve a thrilling match with arch rival Victoria late in the afternoon.
And while the half point might yet prove critical, it leaves the perennial powerhouse in a precarious position with both WA and Queensland undefeated after day one, and Victoria also one contest clear.
Queensland, after a morning scare from South Australia, was far more clinical in dispatching Tasmania 4.5-0.5 this afternoon with Robyn Choi’s 7&6 win at No.4 the highlight.
Western Australia smacked NSW 4-1, then repeated the dose against South Australia with the quartet of Hannah Green, Hayley Bettencourt, Hira Naveed and Jessica Whitting unbeaten and looking ominous.
But the day’s most thrilling clash was between old rivals New South Wales and Victoria.
The Blues made a fast start with No.5 Sophie Cusack saluting 3&2, but were soon back on an even keel with Julienne Soo overpowering Celina Yuan 5&4 despite a hole-in-one from the latter on the fourth hole.
When Grace Daniell scored her second win of the day for Victoria, the Blues were staring down the barrel.
In a desperate finish to the battle of the Olivias at No.3, Victoria’s Kline and Wilson, of NSW, fought out a halved match to leave it all up to Liz Elmassian to keep the visitors’ hopes alive.
And the bubbly Sydneysider did just that, edging out Victoria’s Jo Charlton 1-up in the top match to leave the contest knotted at 2.5.