Bowls: Northland, Auckland claim National Intercentre wins

Northland Women, coached by Bowls New Zealand Past President Ann Muir, had the green under control this morning as they took out North Harbour 3-0 to take a place in the Finals.

Their confidence remained in tack as they went head to head with Nelson this afternoon. Being the underdog of the two having last won the tournament in 1993, Northland took an early lead over Nelson's Pairs and Fours.

Northland's Fours Maureen Parker, Maree Attwood, Lauren Mills and Diane Lawrence drew first blood winning 15-10. They lead all the way with Nelson only scoring on 5 of the 15 ends.

Jo Edward was poised to keep her unbeaten Intercenter Singles record at 23-22, but as the pairs finished with another exciting win to Northland (18-6) the Singles game was conceded.

Auckland and Canterbury Men both had outstanding wins this morning against Southland and Dunedin respectively, igniting a classic Auckland Canterbury fight for the finish.

It was Auckland Men's Scott Cottrell who took an early lead in the singles and remained in command throughout, before cruising to a comfortable 25- win.

It was a close game in the Fours with Auckland trailing for the majority of the game. Coming back, they entered the last end one down on the board. The men picked up the all-important two points needed to guarantee Auckland the over-all win.

Though the score had already blossomed to 24-10, the pairs concluded on the 16th end.
The Auckland Men last won the Intercentre title in 2012.