McDonald impresses on debut

GISBORNE teenager Tessa McDonald turned in an impressive debut without reward at the national interprovincial women’s tournament in Whakatane yesterday.
The 16-year-old lost 2 and 1 to Jenna Gainford as McDonald’s Hawke’s Bay-Poverty Bay team continued their unbeaten run with a 3 ½-1 ½ team matchplay win over Southland.
McDonald is travelling reserve but after watching the action on Tuesday, was promoted to No. 5 for HBPB’s only clash yesterday.
She led Gainford 1-up at the halfway stage — shooting par golf — but a couple of mistakes on the back nine let in the Southlander, who Keown said played extremely well.
“It would be fair to say the girl she played is not really their No. 5,” he said, suggesting Soutland had played her down the order to give them a stronger foundation.
Dave Keown said McDonald could be “pretty proud” of her performance.
“She definitely impressed. Her mind’s in the right place and she’s giving it everything she’s got”
Despite the loss, Keown believed McDonald’s effort must have given selectors food for thought for today’s two rounds. She was only 3-over the card when the pair shook hands.
Selectors, however, decided to bring back Lynne Roberts in place of McDonald for this morning’s vital clash with Waikato.
HBPB also face Auckland this afternoon.
HBPB have had two team halfs and a win, and are sitting third in their section behind Auckland and Waikato.