Victoria’s fast start began with a 6.5-1.5 win over Western Australia in the morning, before an identical margin against Tasmania in the afternoon secured the early lead across all three titles – overall, men’s and women’s.
Bailey Goodall was instrumental on debut, claiming a 5&3 win over WA’s Spencer Harrison before cruising to a 7&6 victory against Tasmania’s Elijah Monaghan.
“I think everything just clicked,” Goodall said.
“I holed some putts, which was nice, made a few birdies to keep the momentum going, and capitalised on my opponents’ mistakes.
“It’s a great experience with the team, we all know each other quite well, so it’d be great to get the win.”
South Australia sit level on two team points but second on win-loss ratio after a 5-3 win over Tasmania in the morning and a 6-2 upset victory over last year’s runners-up Queensland.
One of SA’s more experienced players, Amelia Whinney, led the charge with a 5&3 win over Tasmania’s Jessie Richmond before defeating Queensland’s two-time women’s team champion Ionna Muir 4&2.
“We knew we’d be underdogs against Queensland, but I’m proud of how the team fought through to get the win,” Whinney said.
She also spoke about the significance of a potential home victory in Adelaide.
“It’s always pretty special winning at home,” she said.
“It’s great to see familiar faces out supporting us, so it would mean a lot.”
New South Wales sits half a point behind in third after a 4-all tie with Queensland and a 5-3 win over Western Australia.
Queensland are fourth on half a point, while Western Australia and Tasmania are still searching for their first win.
In the men’s championship, Victoria lead on two points, with South Australia half a point behind.
Queensland and Western Australia have one point, Tasmania half a point, while New South Wales are yet to register a point in their title defence.
In the women’s championship, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia all sit on two points, separated by win-loss ratio.
Queensland, chasing a third consecutive women’s title, are yet to score a point alongside Western Australia and Tasmania.
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