Jackaroos men gain unassailable lead
Australia have wrapped up the open men’s series just two sessions into the second Trans Tasman test.
Four rubber victories from as many matches on the second day of play proved the catalyst for the momentous result, with the Jackaroos men now guaranteed of claiming the second test, and therefore the men’s trophy too, with an unassailable 4-0 lead (+ 16 shots) going into the final session.
While the singles and fours matches this afternoon, and tomorrow’s final test, won’t affect the men’s final standing, they could dramatically impact the overall rankings, and will play a crucial role in determining whether Australia is able to return more prized silverware to Australian shores.
The open women’s event is still up for grabs for either nation, after another session of split results.
Australia’s Chloe Stewart and Anne Jones secured another pairs victory this afternoon, prevailing 18-11, while Lynsey Clarke, Claire Turley and Kelsey Cottrell were relegated to their first loss in the discipline 15-18.
As a result, New Zealand hold a 1 shot overall lead in the second test, with the singles and fours matches currently being played to determine whether Australia is able to wrap up this event in successive tests.
In the development side of the Trans Tasman, a further two wins this afternoon has ensure the men’s team secured a stranglehold on the second test, 3.5 wins and +16 shots, and will retain the the trophy at a minimum, regardless of the final test result, after a tied first test yesterday.
The women’s contingent still remain in the hunt for the coveted trophy, with a 2-2 split after two sessions, but results have to fall their way to steal victory from the jaws of defeat.
New Zealand is ahead only by a slender 1 shot in the second test, but they sit comfortably knowing the also have a test in the bag, adding added impetus to this afternoon’s singles and pairs rubbers.
Click here to watch the live steam of the men’s singles rubber in the third session of the second test.
Test 2 – Session 2 results:
Open Women
Pairs – Aust 18 v NZ 11
Triples – Aust 15 v NZ 18
Aust is down 2-2 (- 1 shot)
Open Men
Pairs – Aust 17 v NZ 13
Triples – Aust 18 v NZ 12
Aust lead 2nd test 4-0 (+ 16) and have secured men’s series.
Development Women
Pairs – Aust 13 v NZ 15
Triples- Aust 17 def NZ 14
Aust are down 2-2 (-3 shots)
Development Men
Pairs – Aust 16 v NZ 11
Triples – Aust 18 v NZ 12
Aust lead 3.5 – 0.5 (+16 shots)
