The men’s field has been split into two sections and most of the GEC representative players selected to face Hawke’s Bay should gain valuable match practice.
The top eight teams qualify for post-section on Sunday.
Section A favourites are Gisborne’s Jamey Ferris and Steve Goldsbury, who have shown good form so far this season, including victory in the centre fours.
However, with four games of 18 ends and a two-hour time limit in section play tomorrow, there should be a few upsets.
Mal Trowell and Arthur Hawes (Gisborne) and Poverty Bay’s Steve Berezowski and Bruce Ball are title prospects, as well as Wairoa’s Graham Fitzpatrick and Brent Smith.
Fitzpatrick played well in the singles in the centre interclub tournament last month and has earned his place in the centre team to play Hawke’s Bay.
It is pleasing to see two entries from the Tolaga Bay club — stalwart Murray Duncan teaming with Ben Elkington and Rangi Taingahue Junior and brother George making a welcome return to the game.
The Te Karaka pair of David File and John Dawson head the field in Section B which includes Kahutia’s Bruno Lourie and Murray Murton, and Gisborne’s John Kanawa and Ricky Miller.
Lourie and Kanawa are new faces on the local bowling scene and have already made an impact at club and representative level.
They will also represent the centre against Hawke’s Bay in a week’s time.
Gisborne’s Bob McIlroy and Charlie Ure should combine well, with McIlroy on a high after son and former GEC player Shannon McIlroy won the World Bowls Men’s Champion of Champions Singles title in Australia during the week to add to his world bowls singles victory.
The women’s event features a strong field of 14 teams looking for a place in the top 8 qualifiers.
Poverty Bay teams expected to do well on their home greens are Erin Sutherland and Joy Davis. Jan Powell and Diane Christie, and Kym Walters and Ngawai Turipa.
There will be a strong challenge from Kahutia, who will have Glenys Whiteman and Francie Adair, Marie Wright and Dayvinia Mills, Judy Taylor and Lesley Seymour, and Lucy Shanks and Paige Richter vying for top honours.
Wairoa’s Glenda Kapene and Donna Smith are in good form after their strong showing in the centre women’s fours at Tolaga Bay recently.
The Taingahue whanau will also be represented in the women’s field by Tolaga Bay’s Mary Taingahue and daughter Moetahi.
Gisborne teams with recent good form in their club championships are Kay Goldsbury and Ginny Sherriff, Carol Hawes and Lesley McIntosh, and Bobbie Beattie and Tanya Harrison.
Spectators are welcome and hopefully the weather will play its part to ensure both events will be completed over the weekend.
