Two New Zealand teams have made the semifinals and two have been knocked out at the world bowls championships in Christchurch.
Singles player Val Smith went through after overcoming a strong challenge from Scotland's Kay Moran 21-14 and New Zealand pair Gary Lawson and Russell Meyer toppled South
Africa 19-14.
But Jo Edwards' women's fours lost to arch-rivals Australia 14-21 and Richard Girvan's triples combination went down to Scotland 22-14 after an epic 4-1/4-hour struggle in searing temperatures and a blustery northwesterly wind.
Coach Dave Edwards was happy with a 50 per cent record but obviously disappointed for his losing teams.
He said the women's fours began well but failed to capitalise on a sluggish start by the Australians.
"They started well and probably could have had some more points on the board in the early stages of the game," Edwards told NZPA today.
He said the Australians "played a couple of very important bowls at crucial times" to cement their advantage.
Girvan said the Scots played well and didn't allow the Black Jacks a start.
"We were behind for most of the game and never looked like heading them."
Girvan pointed to the difficult, blustery conditions, but offered no excuses for the loss.
"We weren't good enough on the day, unfortunately."
But the highlight of the quarters for New Zealand was the great comeback from Smith.
She was down 12-11 in the 16th end, but scored two consecutive threes and followed with a two in the 19th end.
Moran desperately tried three strong drives to keep the game alive, but conceded the one shot Smith needed in the 22nd end.
Smith said she decided to play to the prevailing wind in the second half of her game and it paid dividends.
"It was hard work," she said.
"It's very hot and windy."
Smith could have taken the game in the 17th end when she touched the jack.
"If I'd moved it, say two inches further, I'd have got four for the game."
But she said she was "pretty happy" with the two.
In the semis later today, Smith meets top Malaysian contender Siti Zalina, with Lawson and Meyer taking on the strong Australian pairing of Aron Sherriff and Nathan Rice.
- NZPA
