The New Zealand amateur women's golf team has let slip a great chance of making history when they were beaten by the defending champions Great Britain and Ireland on the penultimate day of the Astor Trophy at the Fairhaven Club in England.
Sunny conditions set the scene for the top of the table clash that would ultimately decide this year's winner but the hosts were too good for the New Zealanders who were hoping to win the title for the first time.
Great Britain and Ireland and New Zealand now both have three wins but the New Zealanders have completed their four-match programme and have the bye tomorrow.
The home team plays the last placed Canada and if they win they will successfully defend their title and add to the legacy of the British and Irish dominance in the event.
The New Zealanders will be supporting the Canadian team tomorrow in the hope they can upset the Great Britain and Ireland team.
But in reality, today was New Zealand's chance.
After coming so close to making history, the New Zealanders are now resigned to watch the probable outcome of Great Britain and Ireland defend their title and confirming their place as the most successful team at the Astor Trophy with seven wins.
Formerly known as the Commonwealth Tournament, the Astor Trophy is contested every four years between teams of top women amateur golfers from Great Britain and Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa
