Bocock defies rain to win tourney

Rain had the final say, but Eryl Bocock was crowned the winner of the Golden Oldies fours tournament.

The final day of the tournament at Palmerston North was rained off on Friday, so results were decided at the end of day three. Terrace End’s Bocock and his composite four finished on top and won the Keith Mcmurtrie Cup.

Also in his team were Johnston Park bowlers Greg Taylor, Greg Oldridge and Bruce Roberts.

It was the second year in a row rain has interfered at the tournament, which was previously unheard of.

Usually, the pressure piles on in the final two rounds as teams realise they might be in the hunt and battle to stay there.

Arne Janssen’s Levin team were second and the third placegetters included a tournament notable in Trevor Tuatara, now of Terrace End.

Tuatara has previously won the event in two consecutive years with Ian Mahoney, of Levin Central, but had his own team this year.

Brian Little’s Palmerston North team finished top of the B section.

Barry Wakely, from Omarunui in Napier, topped section C and Garry Riley, of Johnston Park, finished top of section D.

It was the 35th year of the popular fours tournament for older bowlers and there were 72 teams this year.

The tournament changed this year and there was no final scheduled.