Bowls, weather collide at Church

SKIPS 'on the head' at the Church Road Bowling Club's opening day tournament of the 2013/14 summer.

It has been sometime since the Kaitaia Church Road Bowling Club held a tournament in which the challenges of bowls and weather met head-on.

The day previous to Saturday, September 14, showed the perfect signs of spring having sprung and entries had closed with 16 teams registered for the Far North Honda Triples Tournament which celebrated the club opening for the summer.

In her report from the event, Church Road commentator Faye Irwin Erceg noted club president Cedric Campbell welcomed all into the pavilion and introduced his committee complete with astute comments, while patroness Mrs Margaret Marshall sent her apology and also gave her best wishes for another successful season.

"The match committee under Liz Anderson's leadership organised for four games of one hour 15 minutes each and without delay teams took to the green as dark clouds gathered and the southwest wind increased in intensity with gusts to add to players' judgements," said Irwin Erceg, noting that following the first game, bowlers adjourned to the clubhouse for Devonshire teas.

"As the day wore on the elements entered the equation as showers stopped play for short periods with the opportunity for brief periods of conversation spiced with humour. A definite air of challenge pervaded the scene and seemed connected to the All Blacks vs Springboks or perhaps the America's Cup scenario. Low key or not, New Zealanders have the ingredients to modestly achieve their objectives, surprising the unbelieving!"

Prizegiving completed a healthy day's exercise, with Greg Hodgson representing the event sponsors, handing out generous prizes. Results were, Toto Thompson (skip), David Riddle, Reo King 4 wins, 20 ends, 39 points, 1; Barry Allison (skip), Allan Bright, Adele Gardner 3.5, 20, 35, 2; Dorothy Hardy, Max Foster, Sue Panther 3, 20, 32.

The club also issued a reminder free bowls coaching takes place on most Sundays with bowls provided at the KCRBC, while the Have a Go programme continues to be held on the first Sunday of each month. Also coming up is a major open mixed triples event on Saturday, September 28, 9am start and lunch supplied.