Bowls: Disappointing trio of losses as Smith celebrates 500th test for New Zealand

Val Smith. File photo / photosport

Val Smith became the second Blackjacks player in a week to bring up her 500th test but celebrated the milestone with trio of disappointing losses at the World Bowls Championships in Christchurch yesterday.

Smith, who joins Rowan Brassey and close friend Jo Edwards as the only people to play 500 tests for New Zealand, was part of the triples combination with Katelyn Inch and Kirsten Edwards who lost to South Africa, Malaysia and England on Wednesday.

The New Zealand side lies sixth in their tight section and will probably need to win their remaining matches against Philippines, Norfolk Island and Spain today to get into post-section play.

The women's pairs of Jo Edwards and Angela Boyd remain unbeaten after six matches to top their section. The duo clocked up wins against Canada, Netherlands and Singapore.