Tourney a fond tribute to Chips

BOWLING

Cooper's Beach Bowling Club

The lasting impression Chips Wildbore made among the local bowling fraternity was fondly remembered and honoured by everyone of the 66 players in the 22 teams which came from Kerikeri, Hokianga, Far North RSA, Opononi, Oruru, Houhora, Kaikohe, and the host bowling clubs to contest the Chips Wildbore Memorial at Cooper's Beach last Tuesday.

Club president Ron Payne welcomed everyone to the Top Roofer open mixed triples tournament, read out the apologies received and wished all players a good day before calling on centre president Margaret Walters to say a few words and a prayer.

Conditions of play were four games of 1 hour 15 minutes, and the results were, Ron Clark, Kevin Williams, Rebekah Papera (Kerikeri) 4 wins, 59 points, 26 ends, 1; Quin Turton, Don Johansen, Paula DuPlooy (Keri) 3, 34, 20, 2; Paul Vegar, Monte Pawa jnr, Margaret Wildbore (Keri/ RSA/ Coop) 3, 56, 23, 3; Dave Roughton, Adele Gardner, Pam Roughton (Coop/ RSA) 3, 49, 21, 4.

Event sponsor, Taipa roofer Jim Roberts, was called on to present the prizes, with Trevor Wildbore (Chips' brother from Christchurch) and Margaret Wildbore presenting the winners' trophy. Margaret commented that the trophy was extra special now as it had been made by friend and club member, Kevin Hoult, who sadly passed away prior to Christmas.

Trevor also said a few words on Chips' life and his involvement in sport over the years, and noting how privileged he was to be able to come up and be present for the inaugural tournament.

Organisers gave many thanks to the sponsors for their generosity, Margaret Walters for providing meat packs for the fourth placegetters, and to all who supported and contributed in any way to make this day of remembering Chips so successful.

The next tournament at Cooper's will be next Monday, January 28, the New Green Fundraising Any Combination Triples featuring a mufti dress code, 10am start and a barbecue at the end of the day's play, and a section for non-bowlers.

For more information, contact Margaret Wildbore 406-1191, or the club 406-0330.