Shanks siblings win centre mixed pairs

THE Shanks teenagers — Leighton and his sister Lucy — beat husband and wife George and Anita Vaotuua in the final of the Bowls Gisborne-East Coast centre mixed pairs at the Kahutia club greens.

Thirty-two pairs took part.

The Shanks and Vaotuua pairs were joined in the semifinals by husband-and-wife teams Jeff and Joy Davis, and David and Bobbie Beattie.

Vaotuua defeated Davis with the last bowl of their match, 13-11, while the Shanks siblings beat the Beatties 9-7.

In the final, the scores were close until the Shanks pair won the last two ends to take the title, 11-7.

Leighton and Lucy Shanks had the opportunity to play in the national final in Dunedin. However, they have a busy schedule and have chosen to forfeit that right.

Normally the opportunity would go to the next-best performed pair. George and Anita Vaotuua have other commitments, as have Jeff and Joy Davis.

That means David and Bobbie Beattie will represent Gisborne-East Coast at the national final.

The consolation was won by Robin Jefferson and Queenie Takurua, who beat Mike Howes and Michelle Brown 13-12.

Leighton Shanks has shown the ability to play at the senior level and has put his hand up to be included in the intercentre team. He has caught the eye of New Zealand selectors of age-group teams.

Lucy Shanks also shows promise but the competition is much tougher for her.

Another consolation event was won by Larry Kaloucava and Ngawai Turipa, with the runners-up being Mark Bain and Jan Powell.

Play at all levels was of a good standard. The next centre events are the Peace Shield and Ella Gibson Memorial fours.