The Wanganui Men's team made the quarterfinals of the annual Intercentre Outdoor Bowls tournament in Christchurch at the weekend, but could not shake off Malborough.
Wanganui and Malborough were the two teams who advanced from a very competitive Section 2 pool, when play started last Thursday at Burnside Bowling Club,and then continued through to Saturday at the Papanui BC and the Morrison Ave greens.
Ultimately, Malborough was top qualifier with 25 points, just one ahead of Wanganui who were also tied with Auckland, Hawke's Bay and Southland on 24 points, with Waikato out of contention with 13.
Wanganui advanced as second qualifier thanks to a positive shot differential of 26, just ahead of Southland (22).
They then played Malborough again in the quarterfinals at Fendalton Bowling Club, with Marlborough winning all three formats – claiming the singles (23-17), the pairs (19-14) and the fours (19-15).
Malborough lost to Wellington in the semifinals, who then went on to win the final against Dunedin.
The Wanganui Women's team were not as successful in their draw, finishing fifth in Section 3 after play at the Hornby and Papanui greens.
Wanganui finished with 18 points, ahead of South Canterbury (9) but trailing Marlborough (20), Nelson (24) and the post-section qualifiers Northland (29) and Waikato (32).
