Around the Greens

The annual Alex Allen Trophy was contested at Gisborne Bowling Club’s greens on Saturday. The winners were (from left) club president Chris Bunyan, measurer Kim Brown and treasurer (and skip) Rod Young. Picture supplied

Poverty Bay

Poverty Bay Bowling Club members were delighted to be able to hold an opening day tournament on their recently laid Field Turf Green on Saturday.

The season was opened by the club president Lesley Seymour, who thanked those who contributed towards the replacement of the old green damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle — the Mātai Tairāwhiti Relief Fund, Grassroots Trust Central, TAB NZ and Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti.

The first bowl for the season was delivered by Kym Walters, who as club secretary put in the hours of work necessary for grant applications and who, with her husband Peter, communicated with the numerous people involved in getting the new turf laid.

Fourteen teams played triples in a single-entry tournament sponsored by Kiri Te Kanawa Retirement Village.

Three games were played, and three teams had three wins. First place went to Barrie Denham (skip), Bruce Gledhill (director) and John Andrews (lead), who won 14 ends and had a differential of 20.

In second place were George Vaotuua (s), Dawson Owen (d) and Win Baker (l), who won 14 ends and had a differential of 14.

Third were Ian Carroll (s), Lesley Seymour (d) and Jean Patterson (l), who won 11 ends.

Club members welcomed new members at the prizegiving and are looking forward to a friendly and competitive season.

Poverty Bay Bowling Club had a great turnout to an open day on Sunday afternoon.

The event was organised by the recently formed Bowls Futures Group to encourage people to “Have Fun with the Whānau” at lawn bowls.

A free sausage sizzle was provided.

Over 60 people turned up, the majority being under 40 with many in whanau/family groups.

Bowls is a great sport for all ages, both at a social and competitive level. The club welcomes new social, casual and competitive members.

The open day was to be held at the three city bowling clubs – Poverty Bay, Gisborne and Kahutia. Due to rain, it was postponed at the Gisborne and Kahutia clubs but plans are being made to hold another.

Gisborne

Yes, the sun was out and it was a great day for bowls.

Car parks were at a premium once again at the Gisborne Bowling Club, where the annual Alex Allen Trophy was contested last Saturday.

Among the 36 players bowling along to the music were two who previously played at Gisborne, along with a good contingent of Tolaga Bay bowlers who have frequented our greens since the cyclone. We will miss you when Tolaga is back in action.

Ryman again sponsored the event.

First place went to three members who are generous with their time as far as the club is concerned: Rod Young (skip and treasurer), Kim Brown (measurer and nurse) and Chris Bunyan (president). They had three wins and a plus-7 differential.

Steve Goldsbury, Gus McCabe and John Donnelly were second with two wins and a plus-12 differential.

Boon McIlroy coaxed his two “girls” Delores Woodcock and Jennie Evans into third place with two wins and a plus-5 differential.

Another good day of bowls and fun on Gisborne’s lovely greens.