Bowls: Golden day for Lepperton's Ward at women's open fours

Lepperton's June Ward had plenty to smile about after the Taranaki women's open fours bowls tournament final in New Plymouth yesterday.

Ward, playing at number three for Ellie Goble, claimed her 15th Taranaki centre title when the Lepperton team beat Raewyn McEldowney's Paritutu four 29-20.

The win gave Ward her second gold bar - bowlers earn a gold star for five centre titles and are awarded gold bars for each subsequent set of five wins.

Also in the victorious Lepperton team were Elaine Miller (two) and Mary Maxwell (lead).

McEldowney's team comprised Colleen Lawn (three), Sue Broughton (two) and Heather Johns (lead).

The final was locked at 11-all after 12 ends and 14-all after 17 ends.

But a six to Goble on the next end dashed any hopes McEldowney had of going one better than last year when beaten by Shona Chambers and her team from the Browns Bay club on the North Shore.

McEldowney never recovered, with a three on the final end sealing the title for the Lepperton four.

However, in the semifinal McEldowney ended the title hopes of the last visiting team, winning 32-20 against Mt Maunganui's Pam Stevens.

In the other semifinal, Goble was always in control against Inglewood's Joy Orr, winning 24-14.

It was a different story for Goble yesterday.

After a convincing morning win, Goble sneaked home 19-18 over Eris Ranford and her team from the Hawera Park club.

- NZPA