Bowls: Omanu Chiefs in top spot

The Western Bay Challenge interclub series is going strong.

In the men's A division of the Western Bay Challenge Series, Omanu Chiefs had the measure of Mount Sandpipers with a clean sweep in the day's competition to firm up top spot over South Marlins in Section 1.

Te Puke Gold produced an improved performance from the previous week to secure three wins against Katikati Tomcats. However, the opportunity still existed for all participants to secure the top position and go into the finals day.

In Section 2 Gate Pa Warriors had three wins over Omanu Magic and likewise Tauranga Totara over Mount Surfies. The crunch game between Totara and Warriors on October 15 will determine the pecking order for the next phase of the competition on October 29.

In pool 2 Bill Brown's Matua Blaze had swept all before them with eight wins from eight games. It will be a tall order for South Snappers to secure enough points from Blaze in the next fixture to gain second spot for the pool.

In Men's B division Section 1 Omokoroa Avocados, Tauranga Rimu and Matua Wasps all had three wins and no doubt consider it was a good day at the office. It looked as though this will be a well contested section as points are evenly spread at this stage.

In Section 2 pool 1, Te Puke Bruno had four wins to follow up the first day's four wins and so dominate the section at this stage.

South Orcas meet Bruno next and will be challenged to keep the second place they currently have.

In pool 2 Mount Orcas had four wins against Tauranga Kowhai to take them to a slender lead in a tight pool. Any of the sides could rise to the top in the next fixture.

In men's C, Matua Titans and Te Puke Green lead pool 1 and it was unlikely they would be caught in the next round despite the fact they play each other. In pool 2 there were three likely contenders but there is an outside chance the tail-end Charlie could come through to a top-two placing in the next round.

The two South sides looked to dominate the women's A division, but Matua Gold and Omanu Roses will be looking to close the gap as some encounters have been close.

The women's B section was relatively close in both pools. Katicats and Tauranga Huia both had three wins in pool 1 to give them a little breathing space, but any side could produce a winning performance in the next match.

This week all teams had two wins in pool 2, the spread of points is closer so it is still anybody's game.

Women's C division was very tight in both pools and will be the source of close encounters over the next three fixtures.