Bowls: Reps get testing workout

Last weekend was very busy for Northland representative players, with Open and Open Reserve squads competing against Far North at Maungaturoto on Saturday and Northland 1-5 Representative fixture against North Harbour, Auckland and Far North on Sunday at Waipu.

The conditions were tricky, with strong winds and heavy passing showers on Saturday. The result was a strong win to Northland 42 game points to 14. Northland Open Men 10-6; Reserve men 10-2; Open women 12-2; and Reserve women 10-4. The games were a good workout in trying conditions. Both have work to do before December 16, when North Harbour Centre will also compete.

At Waipu greens, the weather cleared and spectators saw some exciting junior bowlers in action. The day ended in a win for Auckland Men 17pts; North Harbour 16pts, Northland 11pts; and Far North 4pts.

In the women's division, results were Auckland 17pts, North Harbour 16pts, Northland 12pts, Far North 3pts.

These results will carry forward to the second round of competition in March.

The final of the Mixed Pairs, which was scheduled to be played at Hikurangi greens last Sunday, was postponed due to the illness of one of the competitors. This final will now be played later in the season.

Well done to the clubs that supported Have a Go at Bowls day. It is interesting to hear of the support that was received from the public who attended one of the venues and appeared to enjoy having a go at the game.

This Saturday sees the start of the Centre Open Championship Triples for Men and Women; 48 entries have been received and the draw for section play is as follows:

Men at Whangarei: D. Frame, M. Jujnovich, P. Freeman, A. Trimmer, P. Wightman, T. Webb, A. Rakich, T. Reader, R. Sowerby, C. Neal, P. Nicholas, K. Fitness, D. Brewster, M. Haslam.

Men at Maungatapere: G. Herbert, L. Willetts, I. Halls, C. Edmiston, T. Mooney, C. Pierce, G. Bond, S. Prasad, A. Booth, T. Apaapa, S. Nelson, K. Robinson, T. Johnston, I. Bowick.

Women at One Tree Point: L. Hunt, M. Yovich, L. Wintle, J. McLean, An Other, G. Davies, M. Parker, J. Dalton, D. Lawrence, H. Neville.

Women at Mt Manaia: P. Warth, S. Stirling, A. Bateman, C. Todd, M. Timoti, A. Halls, M. Attwood, A. Muir, C. Crawford, C. Downs.

There is one vacancy in the women's division.

Reporting time at all venues is 8.30am.

The next scheduled Centre event is the Junior Open Pairs, to be played November 3-4 at Ruawai, Dargaville and Arapohue. Entries close on October 26.