Belliss said the chance to go to the nationals came about when a friend told her about some affordable Auckland accommodation - $1000 for a fortnight - so she then went out to put the fours team together. "It was too cheap not to go."
In the tournament, teams had to win four from six matchups to get into post section play, and Wanganui lost their first two. They also went 12-3 down in another matchup, but persevered to win that game and the rest to make the playoffs.
Never give inOnce we qualified, we never lost," said Adams.
"When we won the semifinal, we said 'we've won the bacon, we'll go back and win the ham'."
They played the final against a composite team consisting of NZ development player Tanya Wheeler, the skip, New Zealand representative Dale Rayner and young Raglan players Ashleigh Jeffcoat (15) and Rachel Jelley (22). Even when going 16-12 down with two ends left, the Wanganui veterans held their nerve.
"We never give in," said Adams.
"Our motto is 'always hang in there'," added Burgess.
"We all got on together, I think that was the main thing," agreed Pidwell.
Wanganui forced an extra end with 16-16, and then won the title when Adams' final bowl was just a bit closer than Rayner's.
Dot Belliss' brother-in-law Peter Belliss was playing in the men's fours final at the same time on the neighbouring green, and Wanganui's former world champion ran over to hug them even though his game was still in play.
"He was the motivator around us," said Dot Belliss.
The women later had a bottle of champagne handed to them by a delighted punter - he'd liked their chances the day before so put down a TAB bet and won $700.
The women pocketed $1200 each for the national title, but were still shocked on Friday night when they were called up twice to the podium to accept their due.
"To the team, it's been like a dream come true," said Adams when they collected the Senior Team award. "Getting through to the final, we beat former women's bowls champions. We did something we set out to do [but] didn't think we'd get it."
Being international travellers and trainers with Rio 2016 in mind meant several of the other big winners on the night were unable to attend. Rower Kerri Gowler was busy at training as she looks to follow up her two silver medals from the 2015 World Championships in France.
Likewise, younger sister and fellow rower Jackie Gowler is also away on development camp.
Sport Whanganui got both girls to record winning videos where they thanked their fellow nominees in the Mitre 10 Mega International Senior and the Velo Ronny's Bicycle Store International Junior categories, as well as their proud home Aramoho Wanganui Rowing Club and their family.
While kayaker Max Brown couldn't be there, his team-mate Aiden Nossiter once again ascended the stage to accept the Treadwell Gordon Junior Team award on their behalf.
Nossiter thanked the Wanganui Multisport and Triathlon Club and loyal coach Brian Scott for "all the behind the scenes stuff" that helped them finish eighth in the world for Under 23s K2 in Portugal. "He's been a good K2 partner over the 6-7 years I've been kayaking now," said Nossiter about his absent mate.
David Jones Motors Masters Award winner Nadine Cull also sent an audio message from Taumarunui to thank everyone, including Squash Waikato and Squash NZ, for recognising her success at regional and international level.
The Stihl Shop Wanganui Club of the Year award was proudly lifted by the Wanganui Harriers, celebrating their 90th anniversary this year.
-To read more about the national award winners, special recipients and Hall of Fame inductees, turn to page 29.
