Bowls: Horror mornings at women's bowls

Defending women's champions Tridents crashed out of the Super 8 regional bowls event in Hamilton yesterday after a surprise morning session when they lost the singles, pairs and fours to Mana Bay Coast.

The team, drawn from Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Thames Valley bowling clubs, had been expected to at least make the top four, but a horror day on Saturday, followed by yesterday's effort against Mana Bay, meant they were never in the hunt.

In the semifinals, the Mainland Mariners of Canterbury and Nelson take on Mana Bay, and Taranaki-Wanganui meet the Hurricanes.

The Tridents men had plenty to celebrate after they topped the qualifying pool with an impressive win over Auckland in the final round of the day.

They can thank their dream triples team of Kevin Robinson, Nev Risbridge and Steve Posa for the top placing, after going through the three days unbeaten. Their 30-6 thumping of Auckland late in the day was particularly impressive.

Defending champions Taranaki-Wanganui take on Auckland in today's semifinal, but Auckland are likely to win through to the final. The other semifinal will see the Tridents against the Hurricanes.

- NZPA