Rotorua player rules at local pairs championship

Locals Matthew Farquhar (left) and Shanna Riley celebrate after winning the Rotorua Association Championship pairs. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Rotorua junior start indoor bowler Matthew Farquhar has combined with his partner to win the Rotorua Association Championship pairs.

The Lake Taupo Club player combined with Shanna Riley to power to victory at the top local competition at the Ngongotaha Hall yesterday.

The coveted victory was Farquhar's fourth title. He had previously won the triples consecutively in 2013, 2014 and 2015. It was Riley's first title.

In the final, Robin and Jacque Porter led 2-0 after two ends. Farquhar scored four shots on the third end to take the lead which he and Riley did not relinquish.

Porter scored one on the fourth but then Farquhar scored three, one, and one to lead 9-3 after seven ends. Porter scored one on the eighth end but Farquhar wrapped up the win with a single on the ninth and final end to win 10-4.

In the semifinals, Farquhar defeated Brian Flett and Delwyn Hughes from Owhata Club 10-2 whilst the Porters defeated Sam Bryant and Alan Gordon, Citizens Club 10-5.

Farquhar was runner-up in this event last year when he was the lead for Derek Owen. He also has a junior singles title from 2014.

When Farquhar won his three triples titles he played with his mentor Robin Porter and his wife Jacque also from Lake Taupo, but he beat them in the pairs final 10-4.

Such is his progress that he shone playing skip with Riley providing great lead bowls up front.

Mike Bryant and Josh Mills from local team Citizens won the plate event for non-qualifiers. They defeated Keith Richardson and Tristran Nicol, RSA Club 11-4.

Sixteen teams contested the championships and six teams qualified for post-section play.

Rotorua Association Championship pairs results

Post Section Main Event:

Round 1: Sam Bryant and Alan Gordon, Citizens 10, James Schuster and Christina Kingi RSA 8; Brian Flett and Delwyn Hughes, Owhata 7, Adalene Hay and Pat Ashton, RIBC 6.

Semifinals: Robin and Jacque Porter, Lake Taupo 10, Bryant 5; Matthew Farquhar, Shanna Riley, Lake Taupo 10, Flett 2.

Final: Farquhar 10, Porter 4.