Sloan Trophy off and running

All four matches ended in comprehensive wins as the Sloan Trophy finally got started at a sunny Waahi Taakaro on Sunday (Feb 27).

After the first round at Murchison got washed out earlier in the month, the weather was perfect for the second round on the Maitai Valley course which was hosted by Waahi Taakaro who had the bye.

Two of the favoured sides locked horns but it was Motueka who bullocked their way to a comfortable 7-2 victory over Golden Downs, with Peter Cederman and Allan Barbara standing out for the winners.

Totaradale showed it will again be a strong contender in thumping Nelson 8.5-0.5, with four of their team  - Rob Tiare, Eric Bradley, Colin Eathorne and Craig Robertson - all recording net scores under par.

Greenacres carried too much firepower for Takaka in winning 7-2, with Hugh Fitzgibbon  and Reinhard Pauls in good form.

The surprise of the day was Tasman's emphatic 8.5-0.5 drubbing of Murchison, who had shown improved form last season. 

Just 10 players beat or matched par on a course lengthened by recent rain and with the rough up.

Hugh Fitzgibbons and Neal Thomason (Murchison) shared the twos spoils.

Points after one round are: Totaradale and Tasman 8.5, Greenacres and Motueka 7, Golden Downs and Takaka 2, Nelson and Tasman 0.5, Waahi Taakaro 0.

The next round is at Tasman on March 27.

The washed out first round will be replayed at Murchison on August 7, with the final round at Motueka moved to September 4