After a rough time with weather conditions and two postponements, the men's and women's junior singles were completed at the Maungaturoto greens on Tuesday.
Both games were watched by plenty of supporters and some excellent bowls were played.
In the men's final, Kelvin Bint from Hikurangi got off to a great start against Murray Heaton of Mangawhai and after 11 ends he was 13-7 up in the race to 21 shots.
He then sat on 13 for six ends while Heaton scored 11 unanswered shots. Four of these were scored on the 16th end when Bint knocked his closest bowl out of the head when only one down. This gave Heaton a 19-13 lead. Bint then scored 2,3,1 on the next three ends to make the score 19-all. But Heaton scored on the next end by drawing second shot with his last bowl to win 21-19.
In the women's final, Sue Epsom of Mangawhai went out to an early lead scoring on the first three ends.
Linda Spratt (Ngunguru) then found the speed of the green and after nine ends the score was 9-all. Spratt then scored on the next three ends to go out to a 16-9 lead which Epsom was not able to peg back and the game finished on the 21st end with a victory to Spratt by 21-13. Thanks to Maungaturoto Club for hosting this event.
It was a first Centre title for both winners.
Rain plays havoc
The regional interclub finals last weekend were also plagued with inclement weather and from a beautiful still warm morning the weather changed and the green went under water for a short while.
One game was shortened and players were off the green for about 45 minutes. Going into the last round of play there were four teams with a chance of winning.
Carlton Cornwall of Auckland had the advantage in that they had three rounds to complete. They lost to One Tree Point (Northland) in the singles but managed to win their matches against Okaihau (Far North) and Birkenhead (North Harbour) to come out the winners.
The Northland combination were unlucky to lose three of their matches by just one point and this put them out of contention.
The Far North singles player had an outstanding day, winning all of his matches and helping his team into third equal.
Results: Carlton Cornwall 16 points first, Birkenhead 14 points second, Papakura and Okaihau both 12 points, One Tree Point 6 points.
Thanks to the Hikurangi Club for hosting this event and to the umpire on the day.
Hikurangi triples
The Centre 1-10 Year Any Combination Triples are scheduled for this Saturday at the Hikurangi greens. A full green of 16 teams have entered.
The teams entered are as follows: J.Ganley (Kensington); D.Robinson (Mangawhai); M.Christie (Kamo); G. McDonald (Composite); L. Wyness, D. Owens (One Tree Pt); Arapohue Club 2 teams; L. O'Neil (Kensington); K. Bint (Hikurangi); G. Mutch (Waipu), L. Mills (Kensington); A. Burgess; J. Erceg (Onerahi); D. Strawbridge (Kensington); M. Broderick (Leigh).
Play starts at 9am. Please note change of venue.
Champions clash
The Champion Of Champion Singles for women will be completed this Sunday, with four players still left: S.Wightman (Mangawhai); P. Murray (Kensington), L. Pedro (Hikurangi) and A. Halls (Onerahi). Depending on weather conditions this event is scheduled for Whangarei from 9.30am.
Awards time
The Centre awards dinner and prizegiving will be held next Saturday evening, May 25, at the Kamo Club. Tickets are available from the Centre office, Gwen Lawson or Diane Lawrence. Cost is $26 per head. Come out and support your prize winners for the season. Ring the office and order your table.
Reminder also that every club should be nominating their volunteer of the year for an award and recognise the vital help that volunteers provide.
Coach meeting
The Coaching Association AGM will be held at the Kensington Bowling Club this Saturday, May 18, commencing at 10.30am. If you are a member of the Coaching Association please ensure you attend.