Long-awaited national title for Manawatu¯ side
Manawatu¯ have won a hardfought victory at the New Zealand championships, snatching the Welch Trophy for the first time in 14 years.
Manawatu¯ came out on top over the weekend in Upper Hutt.
‘‘We’re on cloud nine,’’ captain Grant Harvey said.
‘‘It’s just so good to win after 14 years. It was topsy and turvy in between about four centres.’’
The other teams in contention were Counties, Waikato and Ashburton.
A round of pairs finished the tournament, with Harvey and Gordon Mcivor securing Manawatu¯ ’s win, after 3240 bowls over three days. There were also singles and fours rounds.
Bruce Meyer was the team’s top scorer, earning 10.5 points out of a possible 15.
Manawatu¯ finished on 101 points, Counties 96.5, Ashburton 96, Waikato 95, Upper Hutt Valley 77.5, and Southland 74 after making it through regional qualification.
Heading into the final round, Manawatu¯ were level with Waikato, but Manawatu¯ secured three wins out of four. Waikato only managed one.
Also in the Manawatu¯ team were Tim Veale, Sarah Warrington, Jason Moore, Bob Lochrie and Tony Griffin, with Phil Clinch the reserve.
Manawatu¯ ’s title drought came after a period of success at the turn of the century, with title wins in 2004, 2002, 2000, 1998 and 1996. Many players from that era remain.
Meyer, Mcivor and Harvey now have six titles each, Griffin four and Lochrie two.
Meyer competes in the Champion of Champions singles tournament in Feilding this Saturday.
The former New Zealand rep won back-to-back singles titles in 2002 and 2003.