The Wayleggo cup has gone west, along with the New Zealand dog trial team's hopes of snatching it back in the latest transtasman test series.
New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association's Sally Mallinson, who reported on the event, said a 24-point win saw the cup return to Australia.
The first test saw a ''no yard'' in both teams, which gave the New Zealanders an 8.5 point lead, she said.
But the tables were turned in the second test when the sheep bolted just as the gate was closing, earning New Zealand a ''no yard'' and resulting in a win, and ultimately the series win, for the Australians when all of their team yarded, Mrs Mallinson said.
New Zealand team manager NZSDTA president John Harvey congratulated the Australians on their win.
''We can all be proud of our New Zealand team.
''It's a lot tougher when you are fighting for king and country than just yourself,'' Mr Harvey said.
New Zealand team members were Rakaia's Stuart Millar (captain) with Rosie, Lawrence's Graeme Dickie with Tweed, Whangarei's Murray Child with Dice, and Taranaki's Steve Murphy, with Kahu.
Australian team members were Bernard McGlashan (captain) with Ice, Greg Prince with Di, Ivan Solomon with Sasha and Geoff Gibson with Merri.
Dromore farmers Mark and Robyn Copland provided the Romney 2-tooths for the competition, which was held during the Ashburton A&P Show at its grounds.
The teams led the show's grand parade and renditions of the two national anthems preceded competition on the second day.