Bowls comment: Northland reps to face Auckland test

Northland bowlers will have their work cut out for them when they meet teams from North Harbour, Auckland and Counties Manukau this weekend. Photo / File

This weekend sees the picture firmly placed on representative play when the Northland teams play in Auckland.

Northland open men and women will play at Howick greens along with the development women where they will meet teams from North Harbour, Auckland and Counties Manukau.

The men's development team will play at Pakuranga and the one-five men and women will play at Auckland Bowling Club. The men's teams are: one-fives - pairs: Dave Smith and Les Scott, triples: Richie Naera, Ken McLeod and Gordon Wright; fours: Paul Price, Paul Shotter, John Hoosen and Robbie Hayman.

Men's development - singles: Bryce Mackie, pairs: Kelvin Bint and Garry Fraser, Daniel Hood and David Hood, fours: David Frame, Brian Hagger, Brook Tippett and Keith Stewart.

Open men - singles: Dennis Brewster, pair: Kevin Robinson and Dean McMurchy, fours: Dusty Reader, Sam Nelson, Paul Wightman and Alistair Trimmer.

Women's teams: one-five year: Karina Cooper, Janene Thurgood, Sandi Ayerst, Michele Harrington, Judy MacKenzie, Lynette Springett, Janice Little, Tina Harris, Christine Lineham and Elaine Hamber.

Development: Chris Budge, Jane Walker, Jill Stewart, Diane Klomp, Sue Rokstad, Pam Brewster, Mona Guttenbeil, Dot Hardy, Eva Chrol, Jenny Hardie and Glenys Sandilands. Open: Leanne Stewart, Sue Wightman, Maree Attwood, Maureen Parker, Anne Bateman, Carol Neeley and Dawn Owen.

The regional final of the Bowls3Five competition will be played on Wednesday, March 13, at the Onerahi Bowling Club. The draw will be made at 5.30pm. This event will see Kerikeri (Far North) versus Kensington Parahaki Dare Devils (Northland), with the winner to play the winner of the North Harbour competition on Tuesday, March 26.

The next important competition locally is the centre President's Day tournament to be played on Wednesday, March 27, at Bowls Whangārei. Entries have been sent to all clubs. As our centre manager will be away on annual leave, please forward entries to the centre events manager either through our website or to gwen.northbowls@slingshot.co.nz or call 0273298011.

Entries close Wednesday, March 20. This event is a fours tournament and is any combination. This tournament gives clubs the chance to support their volunteers by entering them in their teams. Coaching, umpires and greenkeepers are all eligible to enter.

Clubs are also reminded that entries for the centre Champion of Champion events close on Wednesday, March 20. Entry forms have been sent to all clubs. Entry fee is $16 per player. Competition will be fours, singles, pairs and triples. The winners of the singles, pairs and fours will be eligible to play in the NZ Champion of Champion events later in the season.

The Northland Umpires Association is holding its annual fundraising tournament at Onerahi on Tuesday, April 16. This is an any-combination triples event. Please support the association by entering your team with Bruce Scott, phone: 02102755069.

The annual secondary schools bowls tournament will be held on Friday, April 5, at the Kamo Bowling Club greens. This event is any-combination pairs and open to any secondary school students. Entry is through your school and Sport Northland is taking entries. Please register through your school.

Open tournaments for this next week are: Monday, March 11 - Mt Manaia MX Triples; Tuesday, March 12 - Kamo Mx 2x4x2 Pairs; Wednesday, March 13 - Bowls3Five Final - Onerahi, Thursday, March 14 - Hikurangi AC 2 x 4 x 2 Pairs; Saturday/Sunday, March 16-17 Onerahi AC Triples, Sunday, March 17 - Arapohue 2 x 4 x 2 women's pairs.