Golf: Northland pick up wins in Toro Interprovincial Golf Tournament

Luke Brown helps Northland pick up a vital win over Wellington in round three of the Toro Interprovincial Golf Tournament at Mangawhai Golf Club. Photo / BW Media

Northland picked up an all-important victory over defending champions Wellington before accounting for Manawatu/Wanganui in the men's Toro Interprovincial golf tournament.

The Northlanders put in a strong effort in the first outing of the day, knowing they needed a win after losing to Waikato.

Luke Brown, captain Scott Wightman and Kadin Neho secured victories to help Northland secure the 3-2 result.

Brown's battle with two-time national amateur champion Daniel Hillier was the highlight with the local winning on the last hole in a tense encounter.

Wightman (3&2 over Kerry Mountcastle) and Neho (4&3 over Jonathan Cane) gained strong victories to confirm the result.

Brown said the side is in a great position going forward in the competition.

"It's been a really good day and I was very proud of the boys to come out firing this morning off the back of the tough loss to Waikato yesterday," he said on Wednesday.

"To get the win over defending champions Wellington was huge. With the team being up in all five games it put us in a good position to hit the back nine and took a bit the pressure off. Although it didn't eventuate like that it made it easier for everyone to keep going as there was always the chance of some matches going another way.

"The opportunity that lies ahead of us is huge and we're really excited to chase a title that Northland has never won and be the first team to achieve this.

"We've been together a long time now, for at least four events so there's no better time to take the experience we've gained and convert it in front of a home crowd."

Northland followed that with a convincing victory over Manawatu/Wanganui.

Brown, Neho and Alex Neely picked up damaging victories in their ties to help Northland secure the 4-1 result and keep themselves well in contention in the competition.

It's still in the early stages but Waikato look to be on a collision course with Wellington for a semifinal spot in division one if Northland can maintain their form.

Meanwhile the women's side continued their good run of form at the Women's Toro Interprovincials at Sherwood Park Golf Club.

Wanting to return to their winning ways after going down to tournament favourites Auckland, Northland put in a strong performance against Aorangi.

They claimed a 3.5-1.5 victory with Kylie Jacoby, Belinda May and Shardae Bulkeley picking up wins.

Jo Taylor put in a spirited effort against Jessica Shearer before going down on the final hole before Alayna Cox finished all square in a back and forth battle with Kathryn Baker.

However Bulkeley (4&3 against Sharon Bradford), May (4&3 over Lynda Brown) and Jacoby (2&1 over Ginny Bolderston) secured the result.

They then enjoyed an afternoon bye to prepare themselves for a virtual quarter-final against North Harbour. Whoever wins this fixture will progress into the semifinals alongside Auckland who have already punched their ticket into the final stages.