Bay clubs claim Centre titles
Bay of Islands players took top honours in the the Bowls Far North Centre first-year championships in men’s and women’s division on Church Road in Kaitaia last weekend.
The women’s section was won by Jenny Ratana from Kerikeri, while Russell’s Peter Rowland claimed the men’s title.
The possible final in the men’s division was fought between Rowlands and Eddie O’Brien from Waitangi on the first day of the championships last Saturday. This was a very one-sided game where O’Brien could do nothing wrong, his draw bowling proving too consistent for Rowlands to force a second day’s play with both players left on one life.
The second day was a total turnaround however, where conditions were described as difficult in having wind and showers of rain to contend with. Rowland handled the conditions by playing narrow bowls which were less affected by the wind, while O’Brien with his wideswinging older bowls struggled; Rowland eventually claimed his first centre title by a convincing 21-5 margin.
Others in the men’s field were Kim Brabant (Cooper’s Beach) and Bill Ratana (Kerikeri) while the Opononi entrant neither arrived nor made a courtesy call, organisers noted.
Ratana took out the women’s section with both lives intact after beating Teresa Burton 21-20 in an intensely contested final. This was an exciting game from the inexperienced bowlers with the score tied 20-20 on the 24th end before Ratana managed to claim the kill shot 21-20. Other players were, Sheryl Heteraka (Cooper’s Beach), and Moana Hughes (Opononi), while a player from Russell was forced to withdraw due to health reasons.
The two-day event was played on Saturday and Sunday at the Kaitaia Church Road Bowling Club. The format was a two-life system, first to 21 shots or a time limit of 13⁄4 hours, 4 games per day, with no time limit for the final/ possible final.
Organisers congratulated the winners and praised the respective runners-up for their gallant efforts. Thanks also went to the host club for looking after the players, along with the markers, greenkeeper for green preparation and umpire Alan Bright.
An upcoming centre event is the Junior 1-8 Champ of Champ singles on March 10, with venue to yet be allocated but all players to be notified as soon as possible. Any qualifier unable to make it was asked to contact Bunty Barron (09)406-1693 with a courtesy call.