Bowls: Community teams clash in novel event

Club president Graeme Tauri (right) and social members Russell Duggan (centre) and Clarke McLeod seek 16 four-man teams to compete in the Durie Hill Community Bowls Tournament beginning October 29. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 240914WCSMBOWLS1

A community war is about to be waged in the name of conviviality at the Durie Hill Bowling Club.

An idea hatched over a beer by club social members Russell Duggan and Clarke McLeod has been endorsed by club hierarchy and will be launched on October 29.

"We have introduced the Durie Hill Community Bowls Tournament and will extend it to include Putiki and Bastia Hill residents, although not necessarily exclusive to those suburbs," Duggan said.

"The tournament will involve a maximum of 16 four-man teams who will compete once a week for six weeks. The weekly tournament nights will be on Wednesday between 6pm and 7pm and end with a prizegiving night on December 5.

"We're aiming to get the Durie Hill community together. Hopefully the teams will pit mate against mate, family member against family member, neighbour against neighbour and even street against street."

McLeod said 12 local sponsors had chipped in to ensure the new tournament got off the ground and spot prizes would be awarded each Wednesday evening throughout the competition.

Durie Hill Bowling Club president Graeme Tauri said members and the executive were keen on the concept, which was certain to have spin-offs for the small club.

"We have a really comfortable, friendly atmosphere down here and hopefully more people will become aware about what a top little venue we have," he said.

Tucked away at the end of the Windsor Terrace cul-de-sac, the clubhouse and greens are almost a forgotten venue with even many locals unaware it exists.

"We're hoping the Durie Hill and neighbouring communities get behind this," Duggan said.

"Come down and have a game or two and a beer with mates on a Wednesday night. It's within walking distance of many in the Durie Hill community.

"Once we have the 16 teams it's all over rover, so register promptly," Duggan said.

Anyone interested can register by emailing russell.duggan@raywhite.com