Experienced team could upset at octagonal tourney

Wairarapa could be the "dark horses" in the senior men's section of the annual octagonal bowls tournament being played in Palmerston North from today through to Sunday.
They will face fierce opposition from Wellington, Manawatu, Kapiti, Taranaki, Wanganui, Hawke's Bay and East Coast but their experienced line-up has already beaten the powerful Wellington side this season and they failed by just 1pt to beat another of the top fancies in Manawatu as well.
Proven performer Ian Monaghan is playing the singles for Wairarapa with John Claydon and Les O'Donovan in the pairs and John Polson, Graham Tindall and Brian Schischka in the triples.
Wairarapa will be expected to be amongst the cellar dwellers in the senior women's section judging by the results they have achieved so far this season.
Selector John Polson has, however, stressed the need for them to adopt a more aggressive attitude in their shot making and is hopeful that will see them make a decent impact on proceedings.
Shona Wilkie is playing the singles for Wairarapa with Avis Cooper and Robyn Schischka in the pairs and Judith Wyeth, Liz Bondy and Daphne Traynor in the triples.