Manawatu Wanganui has won their first New Zealand Women’s Interprovincial title in 63 years, lifting the trophy at the same venue they did in 1960.

They defeated North Harbour 3 – 2 in a tense final at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club recently after going extra holes in yesterday’s semi-final at Waikanae Golf Club just to make the big dance. It’s the third time the trophy is headed to turbo-country following victories in 1957, 1960, and in 2023.

Manawatu Wanganui captain and number one Tara Raj says today’s result has been a long time coming, and she couldn’t be more proud of her team.

“We’ve come pretty close over the last three or four years, so we’re all really excited. It’s been a really long wait and all the girls deserve it – we’ve worked really hard for this.”

Manawatu Wanganui have made the playoffs three out of the last four years, including a runner-up finish to Auckland, whom they beat in yesterday’s semi, in 2019.

Manawatu Wanganui number five Sera Raj got the side off to a perfect start, winning the first four holes on the trot to make a statement. She held on in brutal conditions that’re typical of links golf, winning 2&1.

Former Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club member Lisa Herbert prayed the wind would get up, and she got her wish. She felt right at home in the blustery and fiery conditions, and went on to defeat the New Zealand under 16 champion Sophie Yu 4&3 to get Manawatu Wanganui’s second point on the board.

With one more point needed to capture the elusive title, New Zealand Amateur champion Faith Vui stepped up to the plate, winning 16 and 17 to win her match 2&1 to secure the title.

The number one, who won the Player of the Tournament honours, lost her only match of the week 2&1, while number two, Casey Chettleburgh, went down 3&2.

Raj says the team’s many close calls have brought them together, and they played for each other on every shot out there this afternoon.

“We’ve got an advantage because of how close we are as a team. We’ve played together over the last few years, with Faith [Vui] joining us this year and we’ve gotten to know her really well. We love her!

“I’m just so proud of the group. We’ve achieved something that we’ll be talking about for a very long time. Mine and Sera’s parents came out to support us, and Lisa’s mum came out; we had so much support out there.

“We’re excited to get back to the Manawatu tonight to celebrate some more.”

While Raj picked up Player of the Tournament honours, the Record of the Tournament went to Northland’s Kylie Jacoby, who won seven from seven in division two as her team fell just short to Waikato in their final this morning.

Waikato defeated the Northlander 4 – 1 to pick up a new piece of silverware as the second division was introduced for the first time.

The 2024 New Zealand Women’s Interprovincial will be played in Christchurch.