A real family vibe was the essence of the Hoana Hockley Memorial bowls tournament which was contested in scorching summer temperatures at the Houhora Bowling Club last Saturday.
Local bowling commentator Kyra Rapana described the atmosphere as "just simply the best" in the open mixed triples tournament held annually to celebrate the memory of a much-loved local bowler who passed away a few years ago.
"This tournament is very much a family get-together, and that family feeling showed with everyone there on Saturday," said Kyra. Even the day's stifling heat couldn't put a dampener on all the laughter and friendly banter echoing around the green from the 12 teams contending this year's title.
She noted the eventual winners for the day - having apparently "found their woo-hoo!" - were Karen Subritzky, Shanda Hohepa, and Lennie Shailes with four wins, 22 ends and 45 points; while runners-up were John and Maryanne Proctor with Hilton McCarthy 3, 24, 55, with Bruce Bird, Winnie Burkhardt and S Young finishing third overall with 3, 19, 37.
Kyra thanked everyone who helped ensure the day was a success.
