New format, great atmosphere

Poverty Bay Bowling Club members Les Whittington (left) and Andrew Ball wear the McCannics-sponsored new uniforms during the Graham Shield Classic Optional Tournament.Picture supplied

Poverty Bay Bowling Club's year got off to a great start with a new format for the Graham Shield Classic Optional Tournament.

Fourteen teams of four players entered, so 56 players enjoyed a great atmosphere and good competition on a wonderful summer day. Players from five different local clubs, including a team from Wairoa, took part.

Four 90-minute games were played in the tournament, which was sponsored by Evans Funeral Services.

The first game was fours. This was followed by three-bowl pairs, with two players from each team playing 45 minutes each. The third game was 2x4x2 pairs, with players pairing with a different team member from the second game.

The final game was fours. Two points were given for a win and one for a draw.

First placegetters — and winners of the Graham Shield — with seven points (three wins and a draw) and 29 ends, were Dayvinia Mills (skip), Glenys Whiteman (three), Geoff Pinn (two) and Karen Pinn (lead).

Second with seven points (three wins and a draw) and 23 ends, were Vern Alder (s), Andrew Ball (3), Mark Walker (2) and Les Whittington (l).

Third with six points (two wins and a draw) 25 ends and a differential of +15, were Steve Berezowski (s), Hona Huriwai (3), Peter Ferris (2) and Chris Bunyan (l). They were just ahead of Jan Powell (s), Dawson Owen (3), Craig Smith (2) and Erin Sutherland (l), who had six points (three wins and a loss), 25 ends and a differential of +10.

Some Poverty Bay Bowling Club members wore their new, bright green club uniforms, sponsored by McCannics. These were presented the previous evening. Members can choose to wear the new or old uniforms.

Club members provided food for morning tea and the prizegiving.