Classic's timely finish beats bad weather

Occasionally things do go right for match committees! Kensington Women's Mixed Classic Fours was played at the weekend and the forecast was not good on the Sunday. Some time was lost during the second game but they managed to get through the programme and, as soon as the final game was completed, the heavens opened. The organisers heaved a great sigh of relief.
Winners were Sam Nelson, Manu Timoti, Betty Pouwhare and Steve Mitchell, while second went to a visiting team entered under the name of Kerry Dye from Henderson in Auckland.
Third were locals Steve Smith, George Lyddiard, Trish Murray and Dinkie Fischer, and fourth went to a Kamo combination of Graham Gallant, Pam Brewster, Ned and Madeline Yovich.
An enjoyable weekend for all concerned.
Gurney's title
Centre Junior Singles was completed at Ruawai on Sunday and in the women's event it was an all-Kensington affair, with Margaret Gurney defeating Jude Ganley 21-19 in a closely-contested game. Margaret made it to the final by beating Agnes Bell, while Jude Ganley beat Joan Erceg.
The men's competition was also a one-club affair, both finalists being from Mangawhai. Neville Franks won 21-14 against Adam Booth.
Beaten semifinalists were Darren Mitchell, from Kensington, and Dan Collett, from Te Kopuru.
Congratulations to all the juniors who took part. The standard of bowls was very high and provided they keep up the good work there will be some top bowlers around in a few years' time.
Too few step up
From time to time we all have a moan about what Bowls Northland is doing or not doing. Interesting then to see that of the 16 elected positions up for grabs at the AGM, seven failed to attract even one nominee.
Either bowlers are happy with what is being done and see no need to challenge the current incumbents - or else bowlers are just plain apathetic and could not care less what happens at Centre level.
Which camp are you in? If bowlers want their sport to prosper in Northland, I would have thought they would be rushing to get their names on the ballot paper...
Interclub finals
Sunday sees the playing of the 1-5 Year regional Interclub finals at Hikurangi. This event is always keenly contested and shows off some of the talent in the junior ranks throughout the region. Could be well worthwhile driving out there to see some good bowls. Teams can be "any combination" and so both men and women compete on an equal footing which can make things interesting.
Club's last day
Te Kopuru Bowling Club officially closed at the weekend and their final tournament was sponsored by former Centre President Peter Ward. Prizes were awarded to individuals rather than teams and best skip was Karen Biddles, best two was Lorraine West and best lead Kerry Gribble. Runners-up were skip Sally Sterling, two Barry Anderson and lead Brenda Bailey.
Two-day affair
The last of the two-day tournaments for the season is to be played at Bowls Whangarei on May 2-3.
This is their annual Life Members Triples tournament, which was rained off earlier.
If anybody is looking to fill in a weekend before the season closes, this is a good one to have a look at.
Prize money is in excess of $1200 and it is an "any combination" event so you can either include your other half or leave him/her at home.
Entries should go to Garry Whitham on 437 6164, Ina Slater on 437 0535 or John Jamieson on 459 7148. You can even enter online if you are one of those computer-literate people - try sending your email to entries@bowlswhangarei.org.nz.