Bowls: Winners leave it late

A thrilling last two ends finished with Auckland/Counties pairs taking the men's St Laurence Super 8 title for the first time.

Steve Ditfort and Gary Lawson held a four-shot advantage for the Mainland Mariners at that stage. Kelvin Scott had already beaten Auckland's Jamie Hill 21-7 in singles and despite losing 20-7 in the fours, the Mariners looked set for victory.

But Auckland pairs lead Tony Garelja indicated a run shot for skip Pat Campbell and waved a hand to indicate success would leave them holding five. It was executed to perfection, and when Lawson missed his last drive the lead had evaporated.

Playing the last, Auckland/Counties again held shot, before Ditfort pushed the jack out of sight behind two front bowls. Lawson was unable to dislodge it back to his bowls and Campbell took a further shot - and the title.

Last year's winners Mana Bay Coast reclaimed the women's prize in style, with Mary Campbell taking the singles against Tridents rival Dot Curry 21-15.

The pairs went to the Tridents but the Mana Bay Coast four skipped by Joyce Harding completed a fine win 18-3 to take the top prize.