Around the greens

Tolaga BayThe annual Norm Olsen Memorial tournament brought the 2017/18 season to a close and drew a capacity entry of 48 players to Tolaga Bay Bowling Club’s closing day on Saturday.

Four games of three-bowl triples were played in the Liquorland Gisborne-sponsored tournament.

As usual, the club’s famous East Coast hospitality was enjoyed by all.

The only team to have four wins were “the T’s” — regular club visitors Dave and Bobbie Beattie and daughter Tanya Harrison — who played great bowls all day.

Runners-up were Ricky Miller, Kahu Kerekere and Mark Walker, who won their first three games by wide margins but could only draw their last game, which ruined their chances of winning the tournament.

Third were Jamey Ferris, Chas Henry and Bessie Eyles, and in fourth place were recent arrivals to the district, former Papakura and Counties Manukau rep players Gaylene Harvey and John Kanawa, who had Gisborne Bowling Club teenager Ashli Ferris as their lead.

In fifth place were Te Karaka’s Diane Tamanui Murray and Arthur and Janet Baty.

A “lucky losers” prize was awarded to Michelle Brown, John (Hone) Burema and Trevor Mills.

A highlight of the day was the superb condition of the Tolaga Bay green, thanks to the dedication of greenkeeper Chas Henry over the past two seasons, and he has been ably assisted by his advisers. It is certainly good enough to deserve consideration for hosting some centre tournaments next season.

Club president Sharon Olsen and local bowls stalwart Buddy Kururangi presented the prizes. Special thanks were conveyed to kitchen staff Prue Duncan, Olive Wilkie and nonagenarian Gwen Gordon.

The club is looking forward to next season and its fortunes are definitely on the rise as it moves towards its centennial year in 2022.

— Trevor Mills