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A strong second half showing has seen Tasman retain the Ranfurly Shield beating Auckland 31-17 in a rain-soaked match at Trafalgar Park Tasman were accurate in the wet conditions, and once they figured out that Auckland weren't interested in winning the shield, and were more than happy to give them kickable penalties. LATEST HEADLINES: Silver Ferns beaten again by steady England Black Sticks Men decline place in Pro League Clayton McMillan new All Blacks XV coach Southee no longer Black Caps test captain White Ferns lose to England in warm-up William Havili was clinical off the tee, slotting four penalties and a conversion in the second half, including one at a very pivotal moment from wide out on the right. Timoci Tavatavanawai was a highlight for the home side as was Finlay Christie and Fletcher Anderson too. Top position on NPC ladder is there for the taking, but they will have to fend off Taranaki on Sunday with the Log o' Wood on the line. For Auckland, who have hold held the Shield since 2007, the first half was promising, and they were right in it at the break, but collapsed in the second half as they were blighted by poor discipline once again. Their scrum went downhill as did almost everything else. Tuaina Tualima and Akira Ioane were the best of the losing side as they shield chances went downhill along with making the top-eight. The visitors first try cam through a superb effort by Zarn Sullivan who burst through a couple of tackles, outran, then dummied his way to a try, however he was let down by his discipline later in the match with a yellow card. With time up on the clock, Caleb Tangitau plucked an intercept to sprint 80 metres to score a consolation try for Auckland. Tasman had first half tries through powerful Timoci Tavatavanawai and right win Jack Gray while in the second half it was prop Ryan Coxon who crossed as Havilli kicked four penalties to keep the score ticking over. Auckland host Bay of Plenty on Sunday at the slightly different location of Auckland Grammar School. Tasman 31 (Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jack Gray, Ryan Coxon tries; William Havilli 2 con, 4 pen) Auckland 17 (Zarn Sullivan, Caleb Tangitau tries; Harry Plumber 2 con, pen). HT 12-10

England have beaten the Silver Ferns once again with a 59-55 victory at the Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua to seal the series. The loss came down to third quarter issues, the ninth game where they had dropped the area of a match and on the back of the 58-59 loss in the first test on Sunday in Auckland. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Sticks Men decline place in Pro League Clayton McMillan new All Blacks XV coach Southee no longer Black Caps test captain White Ferns lose to England in warm-up Judd Flavell new Tall Blacks coach The win for the English Roses means they take home the Taini Jamison Trophy for the first time since 2021 with third test in Invercargill on Sunday. The Silver Ferns were in the game for the majority of play but put themselves under pressure struggling to find combinations when they needed it. England were able to grind the Silver Ferns down, an restrict their own mistakes. Initially both sides were goal-for-goal with Whitney Souness making an impact and forming a combination with Maddy Gordon, while Kelly Jackson was strong attacking her opponents alongside Parris Mason. However Roses goal attack Berri Neil, who got the start over veteran Helen Housby, worked off her London Pulse partner Liv Tchine but lacked the experience which eventually saw Housby back onto the court. . With Housby showing authority the Roses kept up the score as Ameliaranne Ekenasio looked confident for the Silver Ferns against Roses defender Funmi Fadoju. Tchine scored right on the whistle for the Roses to trail 28-27 at halftime and win the second quarter 14-12. Into the third quarter and the Silver Ferns were a little off as the let the lead silver 29-33 and Karin Burger injected at wing defence, and Gordon returned to centre, as they looked for a more direct entry. The visitors held on for a 45-40 lead at the break and remained strong in the fourth always keeping just ahead despite the best efforts of the home side. Erena Mikaere got on the court in the final quarter, for her second Silver Ferns appearance, her first was in 2019 while Maia Wilson played her 50th game.

The Black Sticks Men have turned down an invitation to rejoin the Hockey Pro League (HPL), set to start in December 2024 until mid-2025. Hockey New Zealand has confirmed its decision to not take part in the HPL with the International Hockey Federation, following the men’s team winning the FIH Nations Cup in June 2023. LATEST HEADLINES: Clayton McMillan new All Blacks XV coach Southee no longer Black Caps test captain White Ferns lose to England in warm-up Judd Flavell new Tall Blacks coach Strong All Whites named for OFC qualifiers Hockey NZ said the decision to decline the invitation will allow the organisation to maximise its resources in building a high performance and touring programme that suits HNZ. “It is unfortunate that we had to decline the invitation to join the Hockey Pro League, but ultimately we were left with no choice. ” said HNZ CEO Anthony Crummy. “The economics, timing of the match schedule and the need to confirm our long-term funding for the next Olympic cycle mean it’s just not possible to commit to this coming season.” Committing to the Hockey Pro League would require three significant international tours and no home games for the Black Sticks Men, which was also a deciding factor in HNZ declining the invitation. “We will create an excellent playing programme for both our men and women, and we are well advanced in discussions with a number of countries to secure test matches home and abroad for 2025," said Crummy. “We also have the Nations Cup and our chance for our men to defend their title, and the Oceania Cup in late 2025 to look forward to. “In addition to our international commitments, our players will also have an opportunity to focus on the first year of the Premier Hockey League, a new four team elite domestic competition running through November and December.” “We look forward to working with the FIH and participating countries in contributing to the shape and format of the HPL in future seasons”. Ireland men will rejoin the HPL after France also declined the invitation following HNZ’s decision.

A change of leadership in the Black Caps as Tim Southee has stepped down as test captain, with Tom Latham taking up the role full-time. Latham, has captained the test side on nine previous occasions and will lead a 15-strong squad, including Southee to India late next week. LATEST HEADLINES: White Ferns lose to England in warm-up Judd Flavell new Tall Blacks coach Strong All Whites named for OFC qualifiers Gate to race at 2025 road championships Otago Volts name new captain for season Southee has played 102 tests since debuting in 2008, takin 382 wickets - second only to Sir Richard Hadlee. However in the just completed two-test series in Sri Lanka, he took just two wickets. The 35-year-old has captained the side in 14 tests for six wins, six losses, two draws since taking over from Kane Williamson in December 2022. Southee said the decision to step down was made in the best interests of the team. "Captaining the Black Caps in a format that's so special to me has been an absolute honour and a privilege," he said. "I've always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team. "I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win test matches. "I will, as I've always done, continue to support my teammates, especially the exciting young bowlers making their way on the international stage. "I wish Tom all the best in the role and he knows I'll be there to support him on his journey, as he has done for me over the years." Coach Gary Stead acknowledged Southee's contribution to the test team and to cricket in New Zealand. "Tim's a fantastic player and a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff," he said. "He's been a great servant of New Zealand Cricket (NZC) over nearly 17 years playing on the international stage, and I'd like to acknowledge his humility in stepping down from the role as test captain. "It's not easy giving up something you love, but Tim is a true team-man and he's made the decision with the team's best interests at heart. "He's one of our greatest-ever players and we still very much see him playing a part in our test side moving forward." NZ Cricket CEO Scott Weenink saluted Southee for his selflessness in putting the team first. "It's a measure of the man that he continues to put the team interests ahead of his own and, despite his obvious personal disappointment, wants to do the best thing possible for everyone else. "To me, that's the sign of a true leader in every sense of the word. Tim will continue to be an important leader within this group," said Weenink.

The White Ferns have lost their final warm-up game to this week's ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai by five wickets to England. Batting first New Zealand scored 127-4 as Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr opened the innings. Bates going for three, but Kerr scoring 64 from from 46 balls with eight fours and a six. LATEST HEADLINES: Judd Flavell new Tall Blacks coach Strong All Whites named for OFC qualifiers Gate to race at 2025 road championships Otago Volts name new captain for season Black Ferns defeated by Ireland in WXV1 Captain, Sophie Devine made 24, Brooke Halliday 2 and Maddy Green seven. izzy Gaze continued her growth as a player by scoring 28 from 19 balls with two fours and one six. In reply England made 133-5 with 18 balls to spare as Danni Wyatt made 31 and Nat Sciver-Blunt 31 and Danielle Gibson 24. A worrying sign is that 15 extras were scored through the New Zealand bowlers, 13 of them wides. Eight bowlers were used with Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu both taking two wickets each. The White Ferns first game of the T20 World Cup is against India on Saturday.

Respected Chiefs Super Rugby coach Clayton McMillan has been confirmed in charge of the All Blacks XV and will lead the team on a two-match Northern Tour. Joining him are assistant coaches and former Super Rugby players Jamie Mackintosh (forwards), David Hill (attack) and Cory Jane (defence). LATEST HEADLINES: Southee no longer Black Caps test captain White Ferns lose to England in warm-up Judd Flavell new Tall Blacks coach Strong All Whites named for OFC qualifiers Gate to race at 2025 road championships McMillan, said it was fantastic to be involved with a team starting to create its own legacy as head coach. “The ability to work with different coaches and players is hugely valuable, and the team will be exposed to different levels and styles of rugby up north. It’s great to have three highly regarded Assistants in David, Jamie and Cory. “Cory and Jamie had a great season with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific, while David has been with the All Blacks for several seasons so to have his knowledge and understanding of that environment is critical. Preparations are well underway for the tour north, I spent last week with the All Blacks to see how they operate and had some good discussions around selections for the All Blacks XV with the squad announcement coming next week.” Commenting on the two matches against Munster and Georgia, McMillan expects two tough encounters with both teams having the benefit of being in the middle of campaigns. “Munster is sold out, so we’re set for a great match up in front of passionate fans there and Georgia is a competitive team, they came close to Australia (40-29) and beat Japan (25-23) in July so we’re expecting an intense clash.” The match against Munster will be played in front of a crowd of 25,000 at Thomond Park in Limerick. While the Georgia test will see both teams play away from home at GGL Stadium in Montpellier. The All Blacks XV 2024 Tour schedule is: v Munster, 2 November 5.30PM (GMT) / 3 November 6.30AM (NZDT), Thomond Park Limerick, Ireland v Georgia, 10 November, 2PM (CET), 11 November 2.00AM (NZDT), GGL Stadium, Montpellier, France All Blacks XV 2024 Management Team Head Coach – Clayton McMillan Forwards Coach – Jamie Mackintosh Attack Coach – David Hill Defence Coach – Cory Jane Team Manager – Martyn Vercoe Strength and Conditioning Coach – Brad Mayo Performance Analyst – Adam Foy Team Doctor – Theo Dorfling Team Physio – Neil Tucker

Some big names will join the All Whites in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 through the OFC Qualifying tournament. Chris Wood again heads the side along with other top-flight players Libby Cacace, Marko Stamenic Ben Old and Matt Garbett. LATEST HEADLINES: Gate to race at 2025 Road Championships Otago Volts name new season captain Black Ferns beaten by Ireland in WXV1 Blues-Chiefs to open Super Rugby Pacific Jones, Hillier down order at Spanish Open All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley is keen to get the squad together again for a big tournament for New Zealand. “It’s always great to name an All Whites squad, but with this window marking both the start of our FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and our first home game of the year, it is particularly exciting. “We have been building all year for this, so it is great to finally get underway as we look to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third time in our history. “This is a strong squad with real competition for places from the 50-plus players we are monitoring, we are having to make hard decisions which is what you want as a coach. “It is great to welcome Storm back for this window after him not being available for the last couple of tours, as well as Cam and Tyler who weren’t part of the USA tour, I know they all can’t wait to be back out on the pitch again wearing the fern.” The All Whites will play three matches in New Zealand this spring, with the team following up the Malaysia fixture with games against Vanuatu in Hamilton, and Samoa in Auckland, on November 15 and 18 as part of 2026 FIFA World Cup – OFC Qualifiers. The All Whites squad for the home game against Malaysia at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on Monday, October 14 (kick-off 7pm), and the OFC Qualifier against Tahiti in Port Vila, Vanuatu on Friday, October 11 (kick-off 3pm NZT) has been announced. The 21-player squad sees three changes from September’s USA tour, with Reading FC’s Tyler Bindon, Auckland FC’s Cam Howieson and Central Coast Mariners’ Storm Roux returning. ALL WHITES SQUAD GOALKEEPERS Max Crocombe (Burton Albion, England) Alex Paulsen (Auckland FC, New Zealand (on loan from AFC Bournemouth) Oli Sail (Perth Glory, Australia) DEFENDERS Tyler Bindon (Reading FC, England) Michael Boxall (Minnesota United, USA) Libby Cacace (Empoli FC, Italy) Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand) Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC, New Zealand) Storm Roux (Central Coast Mariners, Australia) Tommy Smith (Auckland FC, New Zealand) Sam Sutton (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand) MIDFIELDERS Matt Garbett (NAC Breda, Netherlands) Cam Howieson (Auckland FC, New Zealand) Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand) Marko Stamenić (Olympiacos, Greece (on loan from Nottingham Forest) FORWARDS Kosta Barbarouses (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand) Eli Just (SKN St. Pölten, Austria (on loan from AC Horsens) Ben Old (AS Saint Etienne, France) Logan Rogerson (Auckland FC, New Zealand) Ben Waine (Plymouth Argyle, England) Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest, England) ALL WHITES FIXTURES All Whites vs Tahiti Friday, October 11 (kick-off 3pm NZT) 2026 FIFA World Cup – OFC Qualifiers VFF Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu All Whites vs Malaysia Monday, October 14 (kick-off 7pm NZT) International Friendly North Harbour Stadium, Auckland All Whites vs Vanuatu Friday, November 15 (kick-off 7.30pm NZT) 2026 FIFA World Cup - OFC Qualifiers FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton All Whites vs Samoa Monday, November 18 (kick-off 7.30pm NZT) 2026 FIFA World Cup – OFC Qualifiers Go Media Stadium, Auckland

The Tall Blacks have signalled the start of a new era, with the naming of Judd Flavell as head coach. Flavell is already a familiar part of the Tall Blacks programme as both a player and coach, having worn the black jersey for 38 games from 1999-2002, including the 2002 FIBA World Championship, where he helped New Zealand to a memorable fourth-placed finish. LATEST HEADLINES: Strong All Whites named for OFC qualifiers Gate to race at 2025 road championships Otago Volts name new captain for season Black Ferns defeated by Ireland in WXV1 Blues-Chiefs to open Super Rugby Pacific After turning to coaching, Flavell spent 13 seasons as an assistant with the NZ Breakers in the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) – winning four championships during a five-year stretch – before joining the South East Melbourne Phoenix as an assistant for three seasons. He has also served as head coach for the New Zealand men’s under-18 team (2013), as Junior Tall Blacks assistant coach in 2014 and as Tall Blacks assistant coach in 2020. The 50-year-old is taking over from Tall Blacks legend Pero Cameron, who stepped down in August after five years in the job following New Zealand's failure to qualify for Paris 2024, their fourth straight missed Olympics. At the domestic level, Flavell has also enjoyed head coaching success in the National Basketball League (NBL), winning a title with the Auckland Pirates in 2012, the Southland Sharks in 2018 and back-to-back titles with the Canterbury Rams in 2023-24.. His most recent title saw the Rams finish with a league-best 17-3 record – including a 16-game winning streak – with Flavell named NBL Coach of the Year. Now regarded as one of the New Zealand’s most successful basketball coaches, Flavell joins a Tall Blacks programme ranked 22nd in the world, with the squad finishing third overall at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup and in 22nd place at last year’s FIBA World Cup. Flavell said it was an honour to take over the reins of the New Zealand men’s basketball national team. “There’s a lot of emotions that came up for me, because I feel so passionate about the black singlet, about the Tall Blacks, what we’ve done and achieved on the international stage in the past,” said Flavell. “And also seeing where we are currently at with the programme, you can’t help but get excited looking ahead at the pool of talent that we have coming through with the youngsters. “For me it’s been a long journey, coming from being part of the Tall Blacks programme as a player – growing up and having that dream of putting on the black singlet – and then being involved in some of our finer moments in 2001/02, then being an assistant coach. I feel really feel privileged and honoured to be given this responsibility.” Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) CEO, Dillon Boucher said Flavell had the right mix of character and experience to help lead this Tall Blacks side to success in the coming cycle. “Judd has played at the highest level with the Tall Blacks and now gets to lead them as Head Coach. His passion for the jersey and for New Zealand basketball is as high as you can get,” says Boucher. “He has enjoyed recent success with back-to-back titles with the Rams in the Sal’s NBL, and knowing what Judd is capable of I’m excited to watch him lead this exciting group of players we have right now.” Flavell’s first challenge as head coach will come in November, when the Tall Blacks face the Philippines and Chinese Taipei in a home and away FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier window. The Tall Blacks will next play in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, taking on the Philippines away on 22 November, then returning home to Christchurch to face Chinese Taipei on 25 November. Although Judd is Auckland-based, he has spent a lot of his working time in Christchurch with the Rams. He said having his first Tall Blacks home game as head coach in the Garden City will be a special moment. “Honestly, when I saw that it could work out that my first home game as Tall Blacks head coach would be in Christchurch [on 25 November], it felt fitting as it’s a region that just loves basketball. “The Rams gave me an opportunity when they bought me back to New Zealand from Australia to coach, and we’ve had a fun journey over the past few years; we’re achieved some great things and I’ve gotten to work with some amazing people and players – in front of some amazing fans. “It’s my home away from home and it’ll be very cool to coach the Tall Blacks there next month.” Flavell said he was buoyed by the combination of veteran talent and young athletes available to the programme over the next cycle. “Where we’re at with New Zealand basketball, in the last window we’ve gained so much experience. We have a depth of talent that has played a lot of meaningful games and that’s important – because that experience is something we used to struggle with years ago; but now we have a pool of world-class levels at every position who we can call upon. “We still have work to do but I like the direction we’ve been going in, and the constant improvement of our players. I feel like the best of the Tall Blacks is yet to come, so my focus is for this team to push its boundaries and reach new heights – I get excited by that. “As Kiwis we step into every single game thinking we can win – of course we like to hold on to our underdog status, but every one of us believes we can beat anybody, and that’s a cool attitude to have. “And over the past 20 years we’ve had our moment on the world stage, knocking off some top-level teams when no-one expected us to. Our challenge is to go from putting in one great performance – like we did against Croatia [at the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers in July] – and backing that up into wins in the next game and the next. The more experience and self-belief we have, the better. “And that comes back to the preparation work we do and the way we play together – we have to work harder than everybody else, and we have to play smarter than everybody else.”

The Otago Volts, have named all-rounder Luke Georgeson as the team's new captain for this season.   Georgeson, who was named Otago’s Ford Trophy Player of the Year last season had an incredible first year with the Volts and has become an integral part of the Volts environment since his move to Dunedin from Wellington.  LATEST HEADLINES: Black Ferns beaten by Ireland in WXV1 Blues-Chiefs to open Super Rugby Pacific Jones, Hillier down order at Spanish Open NZ Breakers hold of Phoenix to go 2-0 White Ferns win T20 World Cup practice Georgeson, steps up into the captaincy left vacant by former captain Dean Foxcroft who decided to step back.   Head Coach Ash Noffke believes Georgeson has the attributes required to lead this group into the future.   “From the first time that I had the chance to chat to Luke over in England, and over the past month or so, with the way that he has conducted himself, and the leadership skills that he has displayed, I believe that he is the right person to take our group forward” Noffke said.   Georgeson himself is relishing the opportunity.   Georgeson was honoured to take up the role. “It is humbling to be chosen to lead this group, and I am excited at what the future holds” said Georgeson.    Twenty-five-year-old Georgeson, a former New Zealand U19 player who is from Wellington, made his domestic debut in 2020 with the Wellington Firebirds. After two seasons with Wellington, Georgeson made the move south and showcased his talents with bat and ball during the last domestic season.   Georgeson will lead the squad in the Ford Trophy and Plunket Shield formats, with wicket-keeper batsman Max Chu again the Volts vice-captain.    An announcement on the team’s Super Smash captain will be made closer to the start of the competition.   The new appointment comes less than a month from the team's first Ford Trophy match against Northern Districts on Sunday 20th October in Whangarei.

A hilltop finish promises to provide a challenging final lap for the 2025 Cycling New Zealand Road Cycling National Championships in Timaru. The Cycling South Canterbury cub will host the championships for a sixth time, following on from the outstanding championships in Timaru this year. LATEST HEADLINES: Otago Volts name new season captain Black Ferns beaten by Ireland in WXV1 Blues-Chiefs to open Super Rugby Pacific Jones, Hillier down order at Spanish Open NZ Breakers hold of Phoenix to go 2-0 The championship road races will be staged on the same 25km loop in the rural district of Claremont, west of Timaru city, set for February 6-8, 2025. The course, which starts at Claremont Hall, includes the challenging climb known by locals as Briggs Zigzag, which has a 14 percent gradient and rises 85m in elevation. While it is not a long climb, the sharp rise is expected to take its toll on the legs over multi laps. The climb on each lap links back to Claremont Hall, although the change this year will see the final lap finish at the top of the Briggs Zigzag climb. Organisers believe it will make for a challenging, exciting, and gut-busting final sprint for glory. This year’s elite men’s winner Aaron Gate, who recently announced his move to UCI WorldTour team, Astana Qazaqstan from next year, is hopeful he can return to defend his title. “Timaru is on the schedule. I have fond memories so it would be a shame not to go back there,” said Gate. “I have not had a chance to sit down to discuss my schedule in-depth yet, but I am hopeful that I will get underway at Tour Down Under which is a race I have yet to do and will be nice to do.” If Gate competes in Adelaide, then he expects to ride in his national champion’s jersey and then hopes he is can defend the title in Timaru. “If I race in Timaru, there will be some pressure from the new team to do well there, so I will be putting my best foot forward. To finish on the top of the climb will make things interesting.” The programme comprises the Time Trial for all grades on Thursday 6 February, followed by the road races for Under-19 Women, Under-19 Men and combined Under-23 and Elite Women on Friday 7 February, leaving the Under-23 and Elite Men’s road race on Saturday 8 February.

Ireland have scored a comeback win on the opening day of WXV1 2024 with a memorable victory against Black Ferns against the odds. In fact, New Zealand was almost unbackable while Ireland were over $20. LATEST HEADLINES: Blues-Chiefs to open Super Rugby Pacific Jones, Hillier down order at Spanish Open NZ Breakers hold of Phoenix to go 2-0 White Ferns win T20 World Cup practice NPC wins for Harbour, Waikato, Taranaki First five Dannah O’Brien was the Irish match-winner at BC Place, remaining calm to kick the conversion and claim a 29-27 triumph for her side after replacement Erin King had drawn the scores level with her second try. Earlier Apofe Wafer scored a double to make the scores 17-17 at halftime after the Ferns had tries to Atlanta Lolohea and the ever dangerous Katelyn Vahaakolo. However Ireland made good work in the tight as King scored her first try before Mererangi Paul but the Black Ferns back in front again. However Sylvia Brunt set up the second try for King and the winning of the game and maybe prompting a few questions on selections and coaching. Recently Ireland had over 80 points put on them by England, whereas the Black Ferns had lost with an experimental selection by a narrow margin. New Zealand play England next weekend in their second match of the tournament. Ireland 29 (Aoife Wafer 2 tries, Erin King 2 tries Neve Jones try, Cannah O'Brien 2 con) Black Ferns 27 (Atlanta Lolohea, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Mererangi Paul tries, Renee Holes 3 con 2 pen)

The two New Zealanders at the DP World Tour's Spanish Open in Madrid have finished off the pace unable to picked up the birdies they needed to contend with the leaders. Sam Jones was tied 45th after carding a two-over 73 on the final day to finish at one-under for the tournament LATEST HEADLINES: NZ Breakers hold of Phoenix to go 2-0 White Ferns win T20 World Cup practice NPC wins for Harbour, Waikato, Taranaki England win by one goal over Silver Ferns Black Caps well-beaten by Sri Lanka in test The final round started badly for the Taranaki player with a bogey on the first and third holes and then also the seventh and eighth. The back nine was better for Jones with a birdie on the 13th, bogey at the 15th but two birdies to finish on Jones takes home around NZ$24,000 for the tournament. Hillier had a par round on the final day to finish tied 65th at five-over and prizemoney of $12,000. Spaniards Angel Higaldo and Jon Rahm both finished at 14-under, but it was Hidalgo who won the play-off. Both players birdied the first extra hole but after Rahm's chip slipped past second time, Hidalgo holed a two-foot putt for victory. The next European Tournament is the Alfred Dunhill Links at St Andrews. Hillier and Kazuma Kobori both have direct entries with Jones on the next in list.