Young Maniototo curlers fought hard in Naseby this weekend, but a clean sweep of wins went to the experienced play of the country's best.
Six men's and three women's teams competed in the four-day Naseby Curling Championships, which finished yesterday.
It attracted players from as far as Auckland and Wellington.
The Auckland-based team of Peter de Boer, Brett Sargon, Kenny Thomson and Phil Dowling won the men's section with seven wins and no losses. All are current or previous players in the New Zealand men's team.
They beat the young Maniototo team of Matthew and Simon Neilson, Josh Fogo and Dylan Boulton-Voice 7-3 in the final.
All but Simon attend Maniototo Area School, in Ranfurly.
An Auckland team made up of members of the New Zealand team also won the women's section, with five wins and no losses.
Thivya Jeyaranjan, Chelsea Farley, Tessa Farley and Eleanor Advientor claimed first place, winning the final 10-2.
They beat the Maniototo-based team of Jessica Smith, Holly Thompson, Waverley Taylor, Bridget Becker and Anna de Boer.
New Zealand Curling chairman Sam Inder said the men's final was "hard fought''.
"It was right until the last end. For kids of that age, it's a real credit to them.''
Chief umpire Darren Carson said the Naseby competition and those leading up to it were used to choose the national teams.
"It is going to make picking them a lot more gnarly.''
The men's section had boys as young as 14 competing against seasoned players.
"Their fitness almost gives them an advantage. It's an extremely physical game.
"But the older guys have the experience and strategy.''
