New South Wales has moved another step closer to clinching a fourth consecutive Australian Interstate Teams Matches title after an emphatic 7–1 win over Tasmania on Tuesday afternoon at Brookwater Golf & Country Club in Brisbane.
With a bye in the morning session, the NSW team came out fresh and focused in the afternoon, producing a clinical performance from top to bottom.
Sahara Hillman-Varma cruised to a 4&3 win over Billie Richmond, while Rachel Lee dominated with a steady 5&3 win over Mackenzie Thomas. Lara Thomsen impressed with a 4&3 victory over Jessie Richmond, and debutant Kiara Connolly-Jackson was unstoppable in a 7&5 win over Lorissa Dobson, hitting nearly every green and making crucial putts to maintain control throughout.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” she said.
“I actually played really well. I hit most greens, and when I didn’t, I made up and down. My putting was really good, and that’s what mainly got me through today.”
Reflecting on the tournament, Kiara felt positive about her performance and the team’s progress.
“I think I’ve played pretty well, and the team’s going well. The two draws yesterday helped us, and it’s great to see a win today.”
On making her debut for NSW, Kiara shared how much she enjoyed being part of the team.
“It’s been really fun. Getting to know the team and hanging out when we’re not playing golf has been great. I’m looking forward to the next couple of days.”
Darcy Mackay produced one of the standout performances of the day, overpowering Koby Wegman with a dominant 7&6 win.
“It was pretty good,” Darcy said.
“I played a solid round of golf — no bogeys, couple of birdies, I think around five. I just played real solid. Swing felt good, putter was hot, and heaps of confidence going into the next two days.”
“So far, I’ve absolutely loved it. Just a week away with my mates, playing golf at a beautiful golf course.”
Zac Oyston was equally dominant in a 7&6 win over Charlie Quill, while Cooper Giddings showed plenty of grit and composure in his 3&2 win over Xavier Nicholls.
Bo Chung was the only NSW player to drop a match, going down 7&4 to a red-hot James Robinson.
With the 7–1 team win, NSW remains undefeated and continues to build strong momentum heading into the final rounds.
The ACT team put up a determined fight in Round 3 of the Australian Interstate Teams Matches but were ultimately outplayed by a strong WA lineup in the morning, going down 7.5 to 0.5 at the end of the day.
There were some hard-fought battles across the board, with Paige Kong narrowly missing out after a tight match that went down to the final hole against Aprileen Sirait.
ACT’s only half point came courtesy of the final match, with Finn Whitelock halving their contest against WA’s Nate Johnson in a tight and steady duel.
In the afternoon session, the ACT team faced off against Victoria, but despite their best efforts, they were once again defeated 7.5 to 0.5. The only half point for ACT came from a solid performance by Henry Kanis, who managed to halve his match against Rupert Toomey.
Despite the final score, several ACT players pushed their opponents deep into their rounds. Sophia Chau and Soda Ellis both showed resilience in their 3&1 matches, while Blake Jones also held firm until the 17th hole.
Tomorrow morning will see NSW go up against the South Australian Team, with the ACT to face Queensland, before it’s a NSW and ACT duel in the afternoon.
