Club bowls news

FIRST BOWLS: Committed volunteer Graham Moore sends down the first bowl of the handicap singles tournament on Gisborne Bowling Club’s new No.1 green.

On yet another hot Saturday, 26 players with water bottles and various cooling aids stepped up to play four games of singles on the Gisborne Bowling Club greens.

This is not a game for sissies at the best of times but it was pot luck who you struck in the draw and they could have a handicap of up to 10 shots. The aim is to be the first to 21!

This was also a red-letter day for the club as it was the first tournament held on the new No.1 green.

This has been a massive project for the club and required many working bees and members spending hours sweeping, sifting and weeding.

One of the best volunteers was Graham Moore, who turned up to work most days, so he was given the honour of putting down the first bowl on the new surface . . . and he did it beautifully.

Players were impressed with the speed and accuracy of the green. The next time it will be played on will be during the Gisborne club’s marquee event, the Burton Cup, on February 19.

Winners and grinners of the club handicap singles were those who won four games. Peter Ferris was first, Carol Hawes second and Emily Hongara third.

Poverty Bay Bowling Club’s championship mixed fours had to be decided on ends won after four teams finished with three wins each.

This championship was won by Joy Davis (skip), Les Whittington (director), John Andrews (two) and Jeff Davis (lead). They won the championship and the Bill Ferris Trophy as they won the most ends.

Second place went to Andrew Ball, Bruce Ball, Otto Louw and Win Baker. This team changed positions for each game.

Players welcomed the decision to reduce the four games to 75 minutes each as it was a very hot day.