Trans Tasman 2004 Report

Day 3

The pattern of the previous days continued, with Australia winning most rounds. In round 19 Australia clinched the TransTasman Challenge with 8 wins. NZ had its second round win in round 21, but won only 2 games in round 22 (Jack and Howard). Interest now centred on who would win the individual title.

Olga reports:
Going into the last game, Chris is on 20 games and Edward on 19. For Edward to win he needs a win by more than 125, and Chris to lose. Actually neither of these things happened. Chris won and clinched first place for the tournament. A triple triple HEAVIEST for 203 was played on Edward's board, but not by him. Top word for the tournament went to NZ Debbie Caldwell.

Jack ended as the highest placed New Zealander in 3rd place on 19 wins, with an average score of 430. Full results are here.

Olga reported the following plays:
  • GUAN was on the board, and Patrick Carter used the L just to the left and below, turned GUAN into GUANO and played LOADSTAR
  • Chris was happy to tell me he played FANZINE for 141
  • Edward finished the 19th game with 20 minutes still left on his clock. He had arrived late and played the first round with only 10 minutes left on his clock, but still managed a win against Rogelio.
  • In Round 20, two 9 letter words popped up - GonDOLIER from Esther Perrins and COLLEGerS by Andrew Fisher

The final tally was 189-99, the highest winning margin in Trans Tasman history.

Trophies were presented by Olga to Bob Jackman, leader of the Australian team, Chris May, individual winner and Jack Dymond, highest placed Kiwi. NZ team leader Liz Fagerlund congratulated the Australian team and thanked Olga for her capable organisation of the event.