Aussie rules was the catchcry at the New Zealand veterans' championships in the B&M Centre over Easter.

The visiting Australians creamed New Zealand in the test match by 33-17 in a contest in which the Kiwis fancied themselves.

The contingent of two dozen Australians won seven of the 10 age brackets, New Zealand winning only the over-50 men and women and over-75 women.

However, it was tighter than the score suggested because there were many five-setters among the men's matches.

Fortunately for the home players, many leading Australians opted not to travel, saving their dollars instead to go to the world veterans' championships in Switzerland.