Longest day turns to night in battle to crown mixed pairs

Forty-eight teams competed in the Centre Open Mixed Pairs on Saturday and, at the end of a weather-interrupted day, 12 teams qualified for post-section play.
On Sunday, a good crowd turned out to watch some outstanding bowls with both semifinal matches going down to the wire.
Anne Bateman and Mike Butler of Kensington beat Paul and Sue Wightman from Mangawhai and Hakaru, 16-15 and Onerahi's Ron Bowmar and Amy Burgess of Kensington defeated clubmate Ann Muir and Ian Bowick from Onerahi, 15-14.
The final saw Bateman and Butler go out to a 15-2 lead before Bowmar and Burgess fought back, scoring eight shots in three ends.
However, the resurgence was not to be, as they needed eight shots to draw on the last end and the players shook hands. This game started at 5pm and, due to a no-time-limit policy for finals, saw the last two ends played in almost total darkness finishing at 7.45pm.
It was Bateman's 16th centre title and the 9th for Butler. 
Northern contest
Northland selectors have announced the following players to compete in a friendly encounter with Far North representatives on Sunday at Coopers Beach.
Men: Daniel Hood, Alan Rakich, Mike Butler, Dusty Reader, Joe Thorburn, John Dunn, Graham Blackman, Darren Mitchell, Sam Nelson, Eric Smitton, Chris Gore, Steve Smith, Kevin Robinson, Brian Hagger, Alistair Trimmer, Ken Westlake, John Franklin, Gordon Bond.
Women: Sue Wightman, Caroline Downs, Madeline Yovich, Lyn Hunt, Ann Muir, Nancy Jujnovich, Janice McLean, Maureen Parker, Pat Warth, Patricia Murray, Girl Reweti, Diane Lawrence, Maureen Rahui, Ann Halls, Leanne Stewart, Betty Pouwhare, Maree Attwood, Anne Bateman. Play starts at 10am.
Call for triples
Centre Open Triples for men and women, entries close October 8. Enter online, by email or entry form in your centre handbook. No phone entries.
Memorable contest
The Bill Todd Memorial Triples were held on Saturday at the Dargaville greens.
Players from Mamaranui, Te Kopuru, Arapohue and Dargaville clubs took part. It was great to see Myra Todd in attendance.
Play was delayed due to wet conditions and, after a redraw,  got under way 90 minutes late.
No combination managed four wins and the victors on the day were Joyce Osborne, Monty Stott, Lou Findlay with three wins.
The hard-luck story  went to Merv Price and his crew who did not lose a game, having two wins and two draws but it was not quite  enough.