Waikato staged a stunning comeback over the closing holes to beat Auckland in the final of the New Zealand women's inter-provincial tournament at Nelson Golf Club today.
With four holes to play, Auckland were ahead 3-1/2 to 1-1/2, but Waikato dug deep and reeled off the pars ona wind-swept course.
The match turned Waikato's way when No 4 Kelly Nicholas, one down with four to play, won three holes in a row against her junior international rival, Hayley Clinning.
That 2 and 1 win inspired Waikato's trailing players and No 2 Erin Hawe and No 1 Emily Perry both won their matches at the last green to give their team the win, 3-1/2 to 1-1/2.
It was Waikato's first win in the 60-year-old history of the match-play event, having won four times previously as a combined team with King Country in 1973, 2000 and 2001.
Waikato manager Debbie Wells, a winner in 2001, was as thrilled as her young charges - their oldest player is Perry, 17, who was playing her fourth tournament.
Hawe was competing in her second champioship, and the bottom three, Hanna Seifert, Nicholas and No 5 Charlotte Brooks were all on debut.
"The girls played their hearts out," Wells said. "I'm proud of them, this was a total team effort and they showed guts and determination when it was close on a number of occasions to take us through unbeaten. Everyone made crucial contributions and vital times."
Auckland had made the final by beating Southland 4-1/2 to 1/2, and Waikato won a tense semifinal against Northland, 3-1/2 to 1-1/2.
