Fight for title develops into a domestic affair

It was a case of Simonsen v Simonsen when the final of the Wairarapa section of the Henselite national indoor bowls singles tournament was played recently.

Making it through to the final were Kelvin Simonsen and his wife Elva Simonsen and it was the former who emerged the winner by 11-8. He will now represent Wairarapa at the national finals in Upper Hutt.

There were 20 entries in the Wairarapa event with eight qualifying for post-section play. First round results saw Colleen Larkin beat Julie Mikoz, Elva Simonsen account for Sandra Bain, Kelvin Simonsen beat Janice Leighton and Murray Larkin oust Paul Miller.

The semifinals saw Elva Simonsen edge out Murray Larkin 11-9 and Kelvin Simonsen beat Colleen Larkin 13-6.

At the end of the first three ends the final was all tied up at 2-2 but then Kelvin Simonsen got what was to be a vital break, moving out to a 7-2 advantage after eight ends. Elva Simonsen was not done with, however, and battled her way back to be only two points down starting the last end. And the players went shot for shot there with Kelvin Simonsen eventually taking out his opponent's shot bowl to win the end by one point and the match by three points.

East Indoor Bowling Club held their rinks championship last Monday and the outright winners were the combination of Donald Leighton, Bob Stark, Molly Mahupuku and Jason Lundy. The team of John Mahupuku, Jenny Mahupuku, Doug Goodin and Alan McMaster were runners-up.

Second round matches of the Hikiwai Trophy interclub competition have been played with Central beating Cossie 8-0 and East and Lansdowne fighting out a 4-4 draw. Current points: Lansdowne 11, East 9, Central 9 and Cossie 3. The final round of matches will be played in August.