Bowls: Open singles entries closing

Gwen Lawson rounds up bowling news

The weather stayed favourable with the heavy showers predicted not forthcoming and we were able to complete the Centre 1-5 year junior pairs for men and women.

Sixteen teams competed in the men's section and 14 in the women's. At the conclusion of section play seven men pairs and five women's pairs had qualified for post-section play.

Men's results: Round 1: Ray Wright and Ken Rozell bye. Maurice Taylor (composite) 16 Kenny Mokaraka (Whangarei) 8; Alan Wheeler (Kensington) 15 Ross Hollingsworth (Mangawhai) 9; Mark Brown (Waipu) 14 Ross Mclean (Leigh) 8; Round 2: Taylor 23 Wright 5; Wheeler 17 Brown 16; Round 3: Taylor (Maungatapere) and John Thompson (One Tree Point) 14 Wheeler and Bill Harris (Kensington) 12.

This was a very close match, Taylor leading 7-2 after six ends, Wheeler scoring five shots on the next three ends to be all square after eight. A four on the next end gave Taylor the advantage that they required and the fightback began. After 11 ends the score was 11-all. Taylor and Thompson then scored a single on the next four ends to go into the final end three shots in front. Although Wheeler was in a position to score the 3 to force an extra end, he could not trail the jack the 15cm to score and scored one shot to give the win to Taylor and Thompson by two.

This match was a great competition between both the leads and the skips, with the shot on the head changing constantly.

Congratulations to Taylor and Thompson (both in their last season as a junior).

Women's results: Round 1: Laurel Jones (Composite), Donna Anderson (Mangawhai), Savanna Lauder (Hikurangi) byes. Jenny Hardie (Composite) 18 Sue Danks (Composite) 10.

With Jenny & her partner (Chris Budge) both being experienced representative players, and Sue (second year) playing with Judy Fraser (fist year) it was great to see the newer players giving their more experienced opposition a run for their money; Round 2: Anderson and Mona Guttenbiel 12 Laurel Jones and Verna Clyde 8. A match that could have been expected to go the other way.

Hardie and Budge 18 Lauder and Noelene James 3. A comprehensive win with the Hikurangi girls unable to control speed on the shorter ends; Round 3: Jenny Hardie (Ruawai) and Chris Budge (Kensington) 18 Donna Anderson and Mona Guttenbiel (Mangawhai) 5. Fours dropped by Mangawhai on the 13th and 14th ends sealed their fate. Hardie and Budge combined very well together and both played consistent bowls throughout the tournament. The Mangawhai combination did extremely well to stay with their final opponents for some time during the match but really had no answer to the more experienced combination.

Thanks to the Hikurangi, Kensington and Whangarei clubs, who were the hosts for this event and to the umpires and control personnel used for this fixture.

Win in Taranaki

Ann Muir, Maureen Parker, Janice McLean, Pam Brewster (Kensington) retained their Taranaki title in their annual Fours event, once again (Like last season) winning the final by one shot. The score after 25 ends was 23-22. The final was played indoors as the weather turned sour and play on a grass green was unable to start.

In the semifinal they defeated the former Northland Bowlers Girl Reweti and Lilac Pouwhare, who were joined for this event by another family member from Northland, Betty Mitchell.

Singles entries Entries are now being accepted for the Centre open singles. These entries close today (Thursday).

The singles will be followed by the first year singles to be played on February 28. Clubs please ensure that your new bowlers are assisted to enter this event.

Programme

Player forums to discuss the centre programme for 2015-16 will be held this month. Commencing at 7pm they will be held on February 17 at Waipu, February 24 at Whangarei and February 25 at Dargaville.

These events are being conducted by the Centre operations committee and all players are welcome to attend.

Kamo triples

Northland District Umpires Association annual any combination triples tournament is on February 20 at the Kamo greens. This is a fundraising event for the organisation and all bowlers are asked to support it. You do not have to have an umpire in your team. Contact Bruce Scott on 435 2512 to enter.

Many clubs are holding club championships this weekend. Good luck to all.