The spirit was still willing even in hot, dry conditions as the North Island Chartered Club's women's fours bowls tournament wrapped up at Laird Park yesterday evening.
The 24th edition of the annual tournament attracted 420 bowlers in 105 teams, with players representing 46 clubs from across the island.
In the main event final, Pauline Davy's Waitara team saw off Wendy Green's Taupo team by 26-11 after 16 ends
Taupo Cosmopolitan Club were skipped by Green, teaming with Lynette McIntosh, Robyn Martin and Julie McNicholas.
Waitara Town and Country Club were skip Davy, Yvonne Harper, Gaylene Riddle and Dell Waters.
Both teams had advanced to the final by beating New Plymouth Club foursomes.
Taupo comfortably won 21-8 while Waitara had a fight to get through 14-13.
Defending champions the Johnsonville Club had expected to figure in the standings but were knocked out in the quarter-finals yesterday morning, giving them plenty to ponder as they will host next year's tournament.
In the plate final, the Margaret McCallum skipped Inglewood defeated the Sue Wightman skipped Mangawhai Club, 18-10.
The consolation final was won by Club Mount Maunganui, skipped by Mary Yardley.
They defeated the Kapiti Club, who were skipped by Janet O'Dwyer, 13-8.
Former New Zealand Bowls representative coach Joy Lynch said she was often impressed with the standard of play at the tournament, as the teams were often made up of regular attendees.
"It's a great week for them and they really look forward to it," Lynch said.
"I just admire the older ladies taking part they must have a lot of stamina to do it and a love for the game."
It was the first time a Wanganui club had hosted the event since 1998 and St John's Club president Royce Tunbridge said they were very proud.
He said the countless volunteers at his club, Laird Park and the other bowling clubs who held games all needed to be thanked.
They had provided umpires, kitchen staff and more creating "pretty good vibes" among the many visitors.
"When we get those sorts of comments it's pretty gratifying," he said.
St John's will also host the National Chartered Club's men's tournament in February, 2014.
