SEASON’S FIRST TROPHY: With the Alex Allan Memorial Shield are (from left) Maurice Allan, Pip Griffin of tournament sponsor Ryman, Bob McIlroy (skip), Erin Sutherland, Angela Gibson-Sam and Anne Day. Alex Allan was the grandfather of Maurice and Anne. Picture supplied
SEASON’S FIRST TROPHY: With the Alex Allan Memorial Shield are (from left) Maurice Allan, Pip Griffin of tournament sponsor Ryman, Bob McIlroy (skip), Erin Sutherland, Angela Gibson-Sam and Anne Day. Alex Allan was the grandfather of Maurice and Anne. Picture supplied
THE Alex Allan Triples were held on Gisborne Bowling Club’s opening day on Saturday, in the shadow of the freshly painted historic clubhouse.
The club’s official opening was washed out the previous week, so the two events were rolled into one.
Bowls New Zealand vice-president-elect Robin Jefferson sent down theceremonial first bowl of the season.
Bob McIlroy then skipped his team to victory in the triples. Erin Sutherland was his director, and the youngest bowler present, Angela Gibson-Sam, 13, played lead.
A full field of 48 took part after some entrants had to be balloted out.
Maurice Allan and Anne Day, grandchildren of Alex Allan, along with Pip Griffin of tournament sponsor Ryman, were on hand to present the Alex Allan Memorial Shield.