Bowls: Strong start for junior trans-Tasman bowlers

New Zealand has made a strong start in the first round of the junior trans-Tasman bowls test series against Australia in Auckland today.

The New Zealanders picked up wins in the under-25 men's fours and singles, as well as the under-18 women's singles at Birkenhead Bowling Club.

National coach Dave Edwards said perseverance and patience secured victory in the under-25 fours.

"They were down 8-0 but they didn't get flustered, they stayed calm and came back to win," Edwards said.

The game came down to the last few bowls, but the New Zealand side kept it together to win 14-12.

Skill and composure was also on display in the under-25 men's singles and under-18 women's singles, where Matt Gallop downed Mathew Pietersen 21-20 and Kirsten Griffin beat Carly Griffiths 21-13.

Results: Under-25 men's fours, round 1: New Zealand beat Australia 14-12 Under-25 men's singles, round 1: Matt Gallop (NZ) beat Mathew Pietersen (Aus) 21-20 Under-25 women's fours, round 1: Australia beat New Zealand 15-13 Under-25 women's singles, round 1: Sam Shannahan (Aus) beat Clare McCaul (NZ) 21-14 Under-18 men's pairs, round 1: Aaron Teys and Martin Miller (Aus) beat Ryan Khan and Monte Pawa (NZ) 17-10 Under-18 women's singles, round 1: Kirsten Griffin (NZ) beat Carly Griffiths (Aus) 21-13, Lisa Phillips (Aus) beat Emma Le Lievre (NZ) 21-7.