With top 16 qualifiers Dean Marshall, Dylan Cooper and Matt Cutler not making the weekend the Hailstone boys Brett and Nigel along with NZ Junior champ Bruno Whale all found themselves in the main draw.

There was the now regular wait for the stragglers to turn up for the 8:30 players meeting, this time the North Harbour duo of Steve and Chris who were still somewhere between Te Kuiti and the Taumarunui course.
By 9:30 we were heading for the course.
After round 1 the field had been cut to Simon, Scott, Chris, Brett, Marty, Pete, Bob, and Steve.
After a break for a late morning tea, round 2 saw the field cut in half again. The NZ Match Play semis were to be Brett versus Scott and Chris versus Steve.

Bugger! Nigel 'Waiheke' Hailstone laments a chain bounce-out, captured by Kylie from the local newspaper.

Once again between rounds we headed back to ‘LTD Disc Golf Central’ at ’s place for more nourishment and a chat about why putts don’t always stay in the basket and other important stuff.
Following the third round the finalists had been found. Scott Caesar would take on Steve Scarbrough for the 2005 NZ Match Play Title in the morning.

WICKED! Les catches this classic shot of Enoch Gawain's confident shank to the chains on hole 7.

The evening saw the regular rent-a-crowd at Pete and Corynne’s house on the hill for what has become a much looked forward to part of the Taumarunui experience, Corynne’s catering. What a fantastic spread! Finger food for Africa, fresh mussels of the BBQ a superb array of culinary delights all served with a smile around the pool.
Thanks Corynne, you are a legend.
Sunday morning saw a few of the team up early to watch the All Blacks grand slam win over Scotland, followed by the Kiwis dorking the Kangaroos 24 / ‘NIL’ in the Tri-Nations Final. Oh! And of course Corynne whipped up bacon, eggs, tomato and an array of condiments for the footie watchers.
Speaking of Finals we had the big one. ‘The NZ 2005 Match Play Final’. It was a tight affair with both Steve and Scott pulling off some great saves. But when it came to the wire Steve took the trophy with a 2 & 1 win.

Congratulations to the Scarb and to all involved in not just the tournament but everything that goes with it as well. Cherie and Michelle who look after the between-round feeds, Blair the TD and of course , Dave, Pete, Des, Shane, Victor, Quan and all the LTD team who make Disc Golf Happen in the King Country.
Great weekend, we all had a fantastic time.

"I've Had Enough!" TD Blair Joines was pleased that all the players were very praising of the course he had designed. But he sure felt the stress of his first stint as a Tournament Director. 'Never again!' he was heard to mutter after yet another complaint about the draw and OB's.

Shakin' That Ass - Sporting the 'classic' shirt of the 25th New Zealand Disc Golf Champs to go with one of his 85 pairs of Stubbies, Dave Routley enacts his traditional warm up ritual before driving on hole 6.

Most Improved? Brett Hailstone made the Match Play thanks to some no-shows. And boy, did he take advantage of that!? This giant killer proceeded to eliminate the top two local seeds Blair and Pete before going out in the semi's to Scott Caesar

Chain High - One could see that Brett Hailstone had the confidence of a man who lives on an island with baskets. This golfer from Waiheke Island thought nothing of staying chain high for those 20m putts - KACHING!

Beautiful! When kiwi disc golfers hear of an event in Taumarunui, they know they will experience the hospitality of this town's fine people. And none so fine as local nurse and Queen of Cuisine Corynne Boyle. Pete's best mate and our's too for the awesome feeds and generosity, Corynne made sure we hit the course in top shape. Thanks Corynne!

Des Attenborough - Visitors were intrigued to hear from local Des Cooper the story of this mighty cabbage tree that had survived storms, horses and the tragic mysterious disease that hit NZ some years ago. Just a shell of a trunk, the recovery of the canopy is as amazing as Routley's Roundhouse Routine.

What OB? Hole 2 was one of those holes that could produce a gimme birdie. Or a tragic OB bogie. Here Des Cooper forehands a drive that resulted in a great birdie. Apparently we have to describe the golfing results of all Des' throw now (sic).

American Observation - US golfer Scott Caesar from the great South Dakota watches fellow leftie Marty de Haas' technique on the tough tee shot of hole 16.

Text Book - One of the talking points of the weekend was the evolution of one of the upcoming stars of Disc Golf in New Zealand, Enoch Gawain. At 14 years of age, this junior disc golfer is showing maturity beyond his years with text book style in the drive and great decision making on the approach.

Native Bush - No, we're not talking about Marty's hair. The bush around this course was just more superb examples of the luscious fauna that can be found in the Central North Island of New Zealand. Oh, nice putt too leftie.

Leftie In Action - Dutch Devilish Deviant Marty de Haas was at home on the flat course of the NZ Polo Crosse grounds. This shot on hole 16 sat right under the basket for a halving par against North Shorian Chris Kingsnorth.

Tired JAFAs - Well fed by the great people of the Lost Tribe, Dorklanders Bob and Marty take a moment to relax at the 'clubrooms' before heading of for their 3rd round in one day.

The Scratcher - Dutch Doofis Marty de Haas crosses over on a hole designed just for lefties like him. But even though hole 16 was built for the leftie, we watched in dismay as he tried to cut the corner and bashed into the tee-close overhanging branches. DOH!

Shedding Crocodile Tears - This secret shot catches a devastated Marty de Haas spilling his emotions to Waiheke about how he watched his aspirations of a semi final berth disappear in his second play-off hole to Chris. More on that later...

3 de Haas - Hole 18 and Smarty Marty de Haas is caught from multiple angles as he lets loose at the tee. Note the relaxed non-throwing arm - a sure sign of an experienced disc golfer.

Nice Shot! Sunday's final round saw the players sharing the 5th fairway and the sun with practicing Polo Crosse people.

Waiheke Wai Wai - Nigel Hailstone has the advantage of both a good backhand and a very steady forehand. Here he chooses the former for a hefty tee shot on the 3rd.

When In Rome... The Lost Tribe of Taumarunui is well known for the fact that all their players throw forehand. So Nigel Hailstone was at home with his Waiheke Whip.

Tree-son - devious leftie Marty de Haas was a bit quieter than normal on the Saturday. Perhaps this had something to do with the invite he received from a couple of locals to partake in an evening of 'socialising' at Dave's place.

Hiyo Silver! Local cowboy shows his horse handling skills as he protects one of the fine equine spectators from the next drive.

OB Paradise Bail-Out - No-one wants to end up outside the course. But one has to marvel at the kiwiana that is the Central North Island.

Beginning of the End - The semi-final between NZ Champion Simon Feasey and American Scott Caesar was intense. Here, Simon watches in disbelief as the chain rattles, but not in a good way.

"Didn't Think I Could Do It" - Scott Caesar is ecstatic having overcome 3-time national champ Simon Feasey after Feasey missed yet another close putt on the 17th.

Duck! - another action shot of Enoch Gawain and his text book follow-through as he sends another accurate drive up through the gate of the 15th fairway

Hedgehog Your Bets - Not only did we have equine spectators, we had quillian ones. This little fellow even offered some comments on the tournament - "Looks like there's more pricks here than on my back!".

Roller Option - when thrown correctly, a frisbee can roll a long way. Seasoned veteran Scott Caesar does just this on the 11th as Cherie watched on.

You Can Take The Surf Away From The Surfer... - It was noted that Raglan Regular Marty de Haas seemed to want to be in the water. Round after round after round. Next time, let's make it OB!

The Course - This pan shot from the 5th tee and Nigel's arse looks back at most of the fabulous course..

The early rounds went well with a 4 and 3 win over Juan, followed by a 5 and 3 win over Bob (pay back for my early exit last year!). In the semi, it was a local North Harbour derby with Chris Kingsnorth. Unfortunately Chris had more "bark than bite" and I bundled him out 6 and 5. This set-up a semi-final with Scott Caesar, a US resident living in NZ who was a WMD during the early rounds!

Next we moved past the 16th even, and on to 17 - a short but tricky par three. I led out with a good length drive, leaving about a 12m putt - Scott followed but hit a fairway tree and left a long approach which he parked within 3m of the basket. I was left looking at a longish putt, over the horse pen fence. One side of me said lay up and take it to the 18th 1 up, but the other side reminded me about the "lottery effect" of the 18 fairway ("more bush than Barbara") and I went for the putt! When it dropped, it was over. A victory 2 and 1 over a very strong contender. A great weekend in the heart of the North Island!