Hoepo’s crew win Kahutia’s open fours men’s lawn bowls crown

Kahutia Bowling Club men's open fours champions (from left) Ray Young, Willy Murray, Leighton Shanks and skip July Hoepo.

July Hoepo’s team hit a pothole before finding smooth going in their quest for Kahutia Bowling Club’s championship open fours men’s title.

Hoepo (skip), Leighton Shanks, Willy Murray and Ray Young had a comfortable first-round win against Alastair Macpherson (s), Geoff Pinn and 13-year-old twins Kyle and Liam Pinn.

In the same round, Murray Murton (s), Joe Wimutu, Puna McRoberts and Salvie Rickard beat Alan Parker (s), Neville Wagner, Frank McLoughlin and Graham Atkins 13-11.

Hoepo’s team then lost a life to Murton’s crew before beating Parker’s four, who had needed an extra end to get a 16-14 win against the Macpherson four, skipped in this game by Kyle Pinn.

Hoepo’s four then beat Murton’s two-lifers 20-3. The stage was set for an exciting final, with both teams on one life. Hoepo’s four got their noses in front of Murton’s team and held on for a comfortable 16-9 win.

Only one entry was received for the women’s open fours. Glenys Whiteman (s), Dayvinia Mills, Ngamiro Allen and Karen Pinn are the Kahutia club women’s open fours champions.