Mangatuna Masters Memorial returns

MASTERS MEMORIAL BACK: The Mangatuna Masters Memorial returned after a year off due to Covid-19. From left are: Puna Crawford, Tim Adamson (Joe Crawford Memorial Award winner), Ginger Watts (Letty Poananga Memorial Award winner) and Sean Poananga (husband of the late Letty Poananga). Picture supplied

The Mangatuna Masters Memorial Golf Tournament came back with a bang over Labour Weekend.

After a year off due to Covid-19, the tournament returned to the Tolaga Bay Golf Club course last Sunday. A novice field of 47 teed off at 9am with the more experienced men's and women's competitors on at 12 midday.

Good weather christened the day's play with light showers and an ocean breeze; the nine-hole course was in superb condition. Willie Brown (37) won the men's novice section, with Wyntah Riki (41) in second place. Bobby Reedy (65) won the female novice section, followed by Ella Atkins (68).

Tim Adamson won the Joe Crawford Memorial Award as the men's champion (net) and Ginger Watts won the Letty Poananga Memorial Award as the women's champion (net).

Tania Hunter, principal of Mangatuna School and daughter-in-law of Joe Crawford — who served on Mangatuna's Board of Trustees and was a stalwart of the Tolaga Bay Golf Club — thanked sponsors such as Amali Teowai, Gisborne Motors, Toi Ake Maori Art Gallery, Cleancare, Fuji, Coasty Plumbing, Mana Logging, Amali Teowai, Maria Elers, Waiariki Thatcher, Darrell Hopper, Kara Solomon, Grace Solomon, Hemi and Lena Leach, the Leaches of Whangara, Cleo and Layla, Hana Crawford, Shanan Gray and Bill Crawford.

Prize donors for the tournament included Kiko Solutions, Comet Swim Club, Touchwood Fishing Charter, Gisborne Auto Valet, Soul Deep Holistically Kawakawa, Elliot Travel, Qizzle, The Odeon Multiplex, Class Furniture, Bouncy Wishes, Uawa Sports Club, Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby, Waiapu Road and Dexter Waru.

Hunter made special mention of the staff of Mangatuna for their support and management of the event.