Highlights came from Mihi Awatere and Thao Duncan, who had 120 starts, and Johnny Smith, who secured a 108 finish.
Scorpions won the first set of singles against Humming Birds 5-1. Nevertheless, Humming Birds’ Amanda Manuel got a win for her team, defeating Dean Allan 2-1, and managed to post a 146 start on the way.
Scorpions struck hard in the pairs, winning this section 7-2. Brian (Skippy) Royle posted his 180 with partner Bill Allen against Amanda Manuel and Gaye Tamihana.
The house roared when Royle bagged his 180, but when Tamihana scored her 180 later in the same match the cheers almost brought the house down.
Scorpions won the reverse singles 6-0 for a final score of 18-3.
Highlights were the 180s from Royle and Tamihana, and a 146 start from Amanda Manuel.
Tigers went 4-2 up against Pythons in the first set of singles. Going against the tide for Pythons were Kiri Hawea, who defeated Willie Edwards 2-1, and Antz Hulley, who defeated Tipi Eyles 2-1.
Tigers turned up the heat in the pairs, winning this section 9-0.
In the reverse singles, Pythons’ Errol Tamihana struck first, defeating Shiloh Henry 2-1 with a 106 checkout. But Tigers kept the heat on the Pythons and won the last five games for a final score of 18-3 in Tigers’ favour. Pythons improved their score by two games from the first-round match.
Highlights were a 120 start by Toby Ratapu, a 106 checkout by Errol Tamihana and 12 high scores by Leroy Eyles.
Pumas turned the tables on the Stallions with some hard-fought games going to the double-finish. Pumas won the first set of singles 4-2. Pumas opened well, Cory Timothy defeating Kayne Arahanga 2-1, and Mark Bollingford defeating Stallions captain Kazius Collier-Delamere 2-0.
Stallions’ middle section, Edward (Whata) Brown and Wi Brown defeated Irene Taufa and Willie Smith respectively, 2-0 in each case. Pumas anchors Eric Moses and Sonia Tom defeated Matt Morrell (2-0) and Bobby Eyles (2-1) respectively.
In the pairs, Stallions struck back to win this section 5-4 but Pumas still led 8-7 going into the reverse singles.
Just as in the first set of games, Pumas’ Timothy and Bollingford gave their team a good start. Stallions needed to win the last four games to seal the match but could manage only three. Willie Smith won his game to seal it for the Pumas with an 11-10 final score. Highlight was a 112 checkout from Cory Timothy.
Falcons showed why they are at the top of the table, beating Sharks 20-1. Sharks newcomer Sonny Grant recorded the only win for his team, 2-0 against Jordan Ngarangione in the first set of singles. Falcons displayed their class after that, winning the pairs 9-0 and reverse singles 6-0. The strength and depth of the Falcons team will make them hard to dislodge from the top of the ladder.
Highlights were Harley Ngarangione’s 180 and high-score total of 14.
Highlights180s: Brian (Skippy) Royle, Harley Ngarangione, Gaye Tamihana.
Highest start (146): Amanda Manuel.
Highest finish (112): Cory Timothy.
High scores (14): Harley Ngarangione.