By Alistair Hogg Queensland has overhauled New South Wales to top the standings after the third round of the 2007 Australian Boys&apos Interstate Teams Matches at Royal Perth. Starting the day one point behind their fancied rivals, Queensland finished play a point ahead, claiming three out of three contests so far. New South Wales also boasts a perfect winning record so far but Queensland&aposs 5-0 thrashing of the Northern Territory sees them clear on point difference. Daniel Nisbet got proceedings underway against Northern Territory&aposs captain Kevin Marques. The 2006 Australian Junior Order of Merit Winner was clinical, wrapping up his match 5/4. Kris O&aposSullivan, Boyd Watts and Mark Song then all triumphed before Eagle Chang completed the biggest win of the tournament so far, defating Taylor Wills 10/8. Despite finding themselves just one point adrift of Queensland, New South Wales can count themselves fortunate to be as close as they are after being pushed all the way by a gallant South Australia. Justin Crowder played a superb match to square with World Junior Champion Matthew Giles while Chris Brown was also able to finish even with Lincoln Tighe. Sam Gava then gave the South Australians hope of a stunning upset when he defeated New South Wales Captain Tim Hart 4/3, but stirring wins from Matthew Gleeson and Brendan Smith ensured their state would snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, or even a half! In other matches, Victoria defeated Tasmania to leave them in third position on the table and Australian Capital Territory pulled off somewhat of an upset over hosts Western Australia. With Australian Boys&apos Amateur Champion Jason Scrivener being rested, his team mates were unable to stave off a determined opposition going down 3-2. Corey Caulfield got the hosts off to a solid start with a 1up win over Kris Helliar, but the ACT fought back when Jason Stuckey defeated Aidan Bae. Brady Watt restored Western Australia&aposs lead but wins to the ACT&aposs final two players gave them a fighting one-point triumph. Leader board after the third round of the Australian Boys&apos Amateur Teams Matches at Royal Perth GC: Queensland 13 New South Wales 12 Victoria 9 Australian Capital Territory 7 1/2 Western Australia 7 1/2 South Australia 5 Tasmania 5 Northern Territory 1
Author: Alistair Hogg