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New Zealand orienteers take the lead over Australia

Saturday 9 February 2008, 5:27PM

By New Zealand Orienteering Federation

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AUCKLAND

The New Zealand orienteering team won the third test match against Australia today scoring a convincing 63-34.

The mix of farmland with scattered bush and low visibility pine forest on intricate terrain north of Auckland suited the kiwis who now have a 28 point lead going into the final test match tomorrow in Weiti Station Forest.

Ross Morrison continued his winning ways finishing in 31m 35s, almost two minutes clear of Taupo's Darren Ashmore on the 4.9km course which was also a World Ranking Event and part New Zealand's national Super Series.

David Shepherd was the fastest of the Australians taking third place in 34m 15s.

Wellington's Lizzie Ingham blitzed the women's field with an impressive 34m 51s, nearly four minutes ahead of Australian Anna Sheldon in second place.

The Waitangi Summer Orienteering Carnival concludes tomorrow with the ninth race in as many days.


Results from today's middle distance race on Hedley Road map:

Top 5 Men:


1. Ross Morrison (Hawkes Bay) 31:35
2. Darren Ashmore (Taupo) 33:31
3. David Shepherd (Australia) 34:15
4. Karl Dravitzki (Egmont) 34:29
5. James Bradshaw (Wellington) 34:31


Top 5 Women:

1. Lizzie Ingham (Wellington) 34:51
2. Anna Sheldon (Australia) 38:49
3. Georgia Whitla (Christchurch) 39:35
4. Piret Klade (Palmerston North) 39:57
5. Penny Kane (Hawke's Bay) 40:26


Test match:

Men, NZL 32 - AUS 16
Women, NZL 31 - AUS 18
Total, NZL 63 - AUS 34

Overall, NZL 149 - AUS 121