The wind was tricky, luckily the predicted rain clouds stayed away and the winners were found last weekend in the Tiger Turf-sponsored National Winter League featuring "three player pairs" who will represent the northern area at the national finals in Auckland on August 27.
This competition was played in the two-set formula with a one-end shootout if both teams won a set each.
The competition was close in all matches with many going down to the wire and being won on the shootout formula. The section winners became the finalists and they were Anne Bateman and Ken Fitness of Hikurangi, who had combined with Clive Claridge of Mt Manaia club.
The final was a very close match with Trevor and Carol Smith and Nancy Page of Coopers Beach. The Bateman combination won the first set and the Morris team the second set, which sent the final into a one-end shootout. With the last bowl of the match, Bateman rested out the shot bowl when the opposition were holding three shots and won the match for her team. This was a closely fought contest and deserving of a final. Prizes were presented by the Bowls NZ Community Development Officer, Martin McKenzie, who travelled north representing the New Zealand Association at the event.
The Northland District Umpires Association advises that their winter fundraising tournament will be held at the Kamo greens on Saturday, August 27. Please support the association by entering this event. It is to be played as an Any Combination Fours and entries should be directed to Bruce Scott. His phone number and email address are listed in the centre handbook.