Gis Int rule the greens in shield challenge

SHIELD CHAMPIONS: The Gisborne Intermediate team who won the Athol O’Connor Shield are back (from left): Jayha Egan, Aiden Scragg, Sasha Fergus, Riley Smith, Emily Moore, Sophie Petro, Lachie Falloon, Lucy Morrison, Flynn Hall, Claudia Shanks, Tayla Broughton and Keisha Ferris. Front: Luke Stoltenberg, Seth Williams, Jack Willock, George Allan, Dylan Foster, Lily Beaufoy, Nathan Trowell and Jimmy Moore. Pictures supplied

GISBORNE Intermediate emerged triumphant in their annual Athol O’Connor Shield challenge against Ilminster Intermediate.

The shield pits the best lawn bowls players from each school, both of which get regular coaching — Gis Int at Gisborne Bowling Club and Ilminister at Kahutia.

This year’s shield challenge, run by a crew of bowls enthusiasts led by Gisborne East Coast Bowls Centre youth co-ordinator Anne Day, was held on the Kahutia greens and featured 36 players.

After four rounds of two-bowl pairs play in hot conditions, Gis Int came out on top 39-25 — only the third time they have won the shield in its 12-year history. Aiden Scragg and Jimmy Moore led the way for Gis Int, going through the challenge unbeaten.

Gisborne-East Coast representative and top Kahutia club bowler Vern Marshall was full of praise for the performances of both teams.

“What a spectacle it was to watch these young ones play, and play the game well,” said Marshall.

“There is certainly potential in a few of them to make something of this game if they want to take it further. Their coaches, helpers and teachers should stand proud of how they transformed these pupils from what they were earlier this year to what was being produced on finals day.

“As an experienced player I was in awe of what I was witnessing. With a few tweaks here and there it is possible that some of these youngsters could go very far in this game.”

Marshall said while Gis Int’s margin of victory overall was convincing, there was not much between them in game scores.

“Well done to our youth and well done to all those involved.”