Singles titles to Ferris, Mills

GISBORNE’S Jamey Ferris and Kahutia’s Dayvinia Mills are the centre open champions for 2017.

Twenty men and 12 women competed in the Gisborne East Coast championships hosted by Ferris’s home club.

Qualifying was first to 21 shots or a two-hour time limit.

Eight men qualified with three or more wins while four women advanced.

In the men’s quarterfinals, Bruno Lourie beat Mike Howes 21-17, Ferris defeated Robin Jefferson 20-15 in the only game not to be completed in the two hours, defending champion Vern Marshall outclassed July Hoepo 21-1 and Leighton Shanks disposed of Kahu Kerekere 21-6.

Ferris booked his place in the final with a 21-15 win over Lourie while Marshall, vying for a third consecutive singles crown, knocked out promising youngster Shanks 21-6.

Marshall started strongly in the final, winning the first two ends to lead 4-0. Ferris surged back to take an 8-4 lead and by the end of the 16th end he was in control at 16-8.

Marshall closed the gap to 18-15 but again Ferris came through when it counted to seal the title 21-15.

Former New Zealand representative and Bowls New Zealand vice-president Jefferson said it was the best he had seen Ferris play over the past five to six years.

“His concentration was good and he played many telling shots,” said Jefferson, who is also the Gisborne East Coast centre president.

“Vern Marshall gracefully stated that he had been outplayed. Well done Jamey on a top performance.”

The four qualifiers in the women’s singles were Mills, Ngawai Turipa, Jasmine Merrick and local legend Glenys Whiteman.

Mills, chasing back-to-back titles, defeated Turipa 21-13 while Merrick had a good 21-17 win over Whiteman.

The final was a close encounter. It was advantage Merrick at 14-8 ahead after 14 ends before Mills hit her straps to win 21-17.

Notable players who did not qualify were Bobbie Beattie , Tanya Harrison Lucy Shanks in the women’s competition and Malcolm Trowell, Mick Maunder and Bob McIlroy among the men.

Thanks must go to Gisborne Bowling Club. The markers were great and the event ran smoothly.

Entries are being taken for the centre mixed 2x4x2 tournament in Janaury.Richie Scott is making steady progress back from surgery. We hope to see him out and about in the New Year. Bowls New Zealand chief executive Mark Cameron will be in Gisborne for the day on January 17. A visitation programme will be drawn up. Cameron’s worth listening to and will listen to you, too. A Merry Christmas and to all bowlers. See you in the New Year.