Bowls: Tauranga win Bay of Plenty fours tournament in Rotorua

Tauranga Bowling Club have produced a spirited comeback in the final to win the Bowls Bay of Plenty Open Women's Fours Tournament in Rotorua.

Up against Fitzroy New Plymouth in the 16-end final, Tauranga were facing an uphill battle trailing 8-5 after seven ends. They hung in there and at the completion of the 12th end had pulled the score back to 9-all.

In the 13th end Tauranga were dominant, getting four different bowls closer to the jack than any of Fitzroy's to take a 13-9 lead. It was effectively the winning of the match. They held their lead through the last three ends to win 15-12.

Tauranga skip Anne Fletcher said the way her team fought back was "brilliant" and the wind made it a tough game for both sides.

"The conditions were very difficult for both teams, [to win feels] magnificent. These girls are all club girls, no big stars, and it's absolutely awesome.

"I haven't played [in this tournament] for probably four years due to health, but I love it. The atmosphere is one out of the box ... it's just neat," Fletcher said.

It was the 58th time the five-day annual tournament has been held. Teams played qualifying rounds in Ngongotaha, Arawa and Rotorua during the first three days before playing in knockout rounds at Government Gardens on Thursday and Friday. There was also a consolation tournament for those who did not qualify for finals.

Bowls Bay of Plenty president Jan McLeay said 40 teams entered this year's tournament.

"Unfortunately numbers have dropped. When I first started playing there were over 100 teams. It's a reflection of the cost and people having to work seven days a week now.

"It has still been a very high level of competition this year, there have been some very good games."

McLeay said Government Gardens was up there with the most picturesque places to play lawn bowls.

"Look at the setting, you wouldn't find any setting anywhere in the world better than this. It's a very friendly competition and teams have been coming for years and years."

For full results go to bowlsbop.co.nz.