New Zealand claws back to within one point in test match series

New Zealand's orienteering test team fought back against Australia today winning the second test match at the Central Districts Champs at Waitatuna in the Waikato.

The race played out in a pine plantation on steep hills which made for hard racing as the orienteers battled through undergrowth, marshes and streams to complete the toughest course of the Waitangi Summer Carnival so far.

Australia's Dave Shepherd took out the men's race ahead of New Zealander Carsten Joergensen and compatriate Simon Uppill, however, the New Zealand men topped the Australians in points 26 to 23.

In the Women's race Rachel Smith came in four minutes ahead of fellow Kiwis Lizzie Ingham and Rebecca Smith beating the Australian's 29 to 23.

The New Zealand team's total of 86 brought the kiwis to within one point of the Aussies who are on 87 after two of four test matches.

The Orienteers head to Auckland's One Tree Hill tomorrow for a special sprint race as part of the Auckland Summer Series before heading to Hedley Road on Saturday for the third test match and World Ranking event.

Video from the first test match
http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=ya0Keqpz2As


Waitangi Summer Orienteering Carnival
2-10 February 2008
Official website: www.madeventz.co.nz/waitangi