Indoor bowls: NZ takes the lead in transtasman battle

Tauranga's Paul Smith on debut for New Zealand against Australia yesterday. Photo / George Novak

The first international indoor bowls test series to be held in Tauranga between New Zealand and Australia got rolling at the Mount Sports Centre yesterday.

The two teams of seven players will be in action again from 9am today and tomorrow as they strive to win the Henselite Trophy.

It was first played for in 1975 with New Zealand winning 14, Australia four, and two draws in the 20 series played.

Two Tauranga bowlers, Fiona Wilson and Paul Smith, are part of the Mat Blacks team.

Vice-captain Wilson is making her third appearance against Australia as skip of the women's pairs and three in the women's fours. She has three Australasian titles and won her first New Zealand title last year in the mixed fours with Smith, who is making his New Zealand debut as lead in the men's fours and triples.

Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby opened the test series before play began yesterday.

"It is tremendous for our city to host the Australia v New Zealand test series. It is significant and has a long proud history of 40 years, run bi-annually," he said.

"I had the privilege of hosting the players and the umpires at a civic mayoral reception and I think that is important, too, that they are properly welcomed to our city."

In yesterday's action New Zealand made a good start, taking a 12-10 lead at the end of the first day's play.

New Zealand women's singles player Teri Anderson of Waikato beat Anne Draffen of Australia 26-15 in the first round of three games. Both are regarded as top exponents of the singles game.

The Australian men's four skipped by Tony Simpson beat the New Zealand men's four led by Grant l'Ami (North Taranaki) 34-11. New Zealand had a similar resounding victory in the mixed eight-bowl pairs skipped by Ashley Diamond (Canterbury) 34-11.

In the closest game of the day the New Zealand men's triple skipped by John Zittersteijn (North Taranaki) staged a strong recovery to beat an Australian combination skipped by Chris Price 19-18.