A change of tactics helped the New Zealand women's team win its first match yesterday.
The team of Linda Geary, Marisa Jones, Brydie Donald and skip Bridget Becker beat Australia 7-4 at the Maniototo Ice Rink.
In its two earlier games, Donald had played the last stone and Becker moved into third, but the tactic did not work.
Becker, who is more experienced moved back to the key position for the Australia match.
The game was even at 3-3 after five ends and 4-4 after seven.
The eighth end was decisive.
New Zealand gained two shots when Australian third Laurie Weeden missed a vital shot and skip Kim Forge was too heavy,The New Zealand men's team was outclassed by Japan 11-4 when it dropped a three on the first end, four on the fifth and three on the eighth.
It has lost three of its four games.
