Bowls: Eastbourne defends Interclub title

In what has been a stunning performance of bowls, the National Interclub finals wrapped up today for both Division One at Howick Bowling Club in Auckland and Division Two at Browns Bay Bowling Club, North Harbour.

This three-day event drew teams from around the country who had all won their respected centre championships, all vying for a national title.

Semi-finalists were found this morning as defending men's Champions Eastbourne, bet Wanganui in all three disciplines, while Stoke proved too strong for Taranaki's Paritutu.

Over in the women's draw, mother and daughter, Leigh Griffin (Victoria) and Kirsten Edwards (United) teams came face to face, however it was the Victoria side who got one over the Nelson squad to advance to the semi-finals.

Semi-finalists:
Men's: Eastbourne v Blenheim and Stoke v Hillsboro
Women's: Burnside v Victoria and Hinuera v Browns Bay

Moving into the Semi-finals Eastbourne was pitted against Blenheim, and while the fours match went in favour of the South Island team (19-8), the pairs and singles were won by Eastbourne, advancing them to the Grand Final.

Shannon McIlroy put great pressure on Mike Galloway from Hillsboro, holding him to 18 shots for the last three ends; coming from behind to win 19-18. Adding to the other two wins for Stoke to advance. While over in the Women's competition, Hinuera snuck through in what came down to an extra end in the singles over Browns Bay; to face Victoria in the afternoon Final.

Grand finalists:
Men's: Eastbourne v Stoke
Women's: Victoria v Hinuera

The grand final had everyone on the edge of their seats in both the Men's and Women's games. Stoke took an early lead, as McIlroy, current World Singles champion, won his singles match against former New Zealand representative Jamie Hill (Eastbourne). McIlroy winning 21-9. However, team mates couldn't get across the line to give them the overall win going down 13-19 in the pairs and 9-15 in the fours. Eastbourne (Wellington) have defended the Interclub Men's title to become back to back champions. Hinuera's Debra White won her singles match against Helen King (Victoria) in what was a stunning performance. White won 21-4 after a short 15 ends. The Hinuera pairs, were down 4-10 on the seventh end, however, bought the tournament to an end for the women, winning 19-12 to take the 2017 Interclub Women's title.

Division Two Final Results:
Sumner beat Taranaki's West End 21-18 (singles); 18-18 (pairs) and (18-10) to win the men's title.
The women's title was won by Allenton who bet Forbury Park in the singles (21-6) and fours (17-11); while going down in the pairs 10-19.