Far North sides fail to make top three
Top players from all over the province came to Kaitaia to pay tribute to a founding figure of the local indoor bowling scene by taking part in a triples competition earlier this month.
As spokesman for the Mark Matich Memorial held in the Kaitaia Primary School on Saturday, May 11, Stephen Joyce said the event celebrated the life and times of a Far North bloke raised on a farm in Waiharara, and who started playing at the nearby hall in 1973 when indoor bowling was in its infancy and of a tad more informal nature than it is now.
“The night usually started off with a bunch of blokes meeting at the local hall and sitting on the stage drinking beer and chatting about farming matters,” he said. “Mark had a natural talent for indoor bowling and soon became a top player while representing the Far North, Bay of Islands and Northland associations. He was also a mentor to many younger players and generously gave his time and expertise to many who went on to become excellent players themselves.
“It was a great loss to bowls when we lost Mark a few years ago,” Joyce noted, adding Mark’s wife Joy also greatly contributed to Far North indoor bowling by holding the position of match controller for many years.
The three “worthy” prize winning teams in the inaugural event were the Kerikeri trio of Chris Watson, Judy Bethel and Marion Banks with 41⁄2 wins; with Whangarei teams claiming the second and third placings respectively, with Connon Walker, Jeremy Bartlett and Jan Bartlett finishing ahead of Marcel Ruedi, Paddy and Eleanor Holt.
Up for grabs were very generous vouchers for the first three placegetters, sponsored by Peter and Janet Sole (close friends of Matich) while the winners received a really beautiful trophy designed by Stephen Yuretich and made by master craftsman Ivan Buselich, who both hail from the Kaitaia Dalmatian Club.
“Congratulations to all! Obviously the Far North dearly wanted to be the initial winners of this trophy but it was not to be . . . we did not even get into the first three places! Next year we will put in a stacked team to give us a better chance,” Joyce mused.
He wrapped up by noting eulogies were delivered by Dave Ross and Peter Sole, while the Far North ladies put on a truly lovely spread for the aftermatch munchies.
“Our sincere thanks to all.”
■ A report on the domestic singles championship completed in Kaitaia last Thursday is forthcoming.