Manawatu Wanganui has won their first New Zealand women’s interprovincial title in 63 years, lifting the trophy at the same venue they did in 1960.
They beat North Harbour 3-2 in a tense final at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club on Saturday, after going extra holes in Friday’s semifinal at Waikanae Golf Club.
It is the third time the trophy is headed to the region following previous victories in 1957 and 1960.
Manawatu Wanganui captain and No 1 Tara Raj said the result had been a long time coming, and she could not be more proud.
"We’ve come pretty close over the last three or four years, so we’re all really excited. It’s been a really long wait and all the girls deserve it — we’ve worked really hard for this."
Meanwhile, Auckland came from behind to win the 2023 New Zealand men’s interprovincial, beating the defending champions Bay of Plenty in a tense final, also at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club.
The Aucklanders avenged their loss to BOP last year and won their second title in five years following an impressive 3½-1½ win after being down 4½- ½ with six holes to play.
Resilience was the buzzword they referred to all week, which they displayed for everyone to see, coming from behind in both their semifinal and final to get the job done.
— Staff reporter
