Locals triumph as 72 teams meet in stadium

There weren't too many Aussies on the New Zealand Master's Games indoor bowling circuit at the weekend, but the well-known tourism slogan still applied.

Indeed, "where the bloody hell are you?", could have served as a slogan, although 72 teams contesting the pairs was still an impressive site at Jubilee Stadium on Saturday.

Locals still carried the day, as husband and wife team Warwick and Arlene Pinker edged out Wanganui's Warren Freeman and Lindsay Bourne 10-8 in the final.

The Pinkers led 10-6 going into the last end, which Arlene Pinker killed to concede two points but still won.

There were four defaults from players who doubled booked themselves with other events around the Springvale complex, but the competition was keen.

"There could be more playing, but like any sport it's down a bit," said local and previous medallist Les Heywood, in his sixth or eighth games (who's counting), and who recently joined the Eastown Indoor Bowling Club.

Partner Bill Quickfall, a Carlton Indoor Bowling Club member although he was having a break from regular competition this year, is even more frank in his assessment.

Financial pressures to pay the Masters fees and the "younger ones" doing other sports simply takes its toll on the roll.

"We're not getting the growth in the sport, as people die there's not enough coming through," said Quickfall.

This was his fourth or fifth games and the pair were among the top teams, being strong finals contenders.

Heywood was pleased his knee injury had come right he still loves to take part and compete with all-comers from around the country.

"It doesn't matter who we play with or against."

While a few more local competitors at the Games would be good to see, Quickfall tipped his hat to their near neighbours North Taranaki players have always supported Wanganui indoor bowls events and Masters was no exception.

"When you come up against a North Taranaki one, you know you've got your work cut out for you."

Coming from Dannevirke and Pahiatua, the 14 "repeat offenders" of the Bush Ruahine could not miss Masters action.

"It doesn't matter [if we win], but we actually did pretty well," said Mike Fouhy, who teamed with Karen Cuming to win silver in the Consolation Pairs.

"Everyone has there moments," added club mate John Johnson.

Fouhy also said they had no specific rivals.

"We're just enjoying the company of everybody here it is the fun games isn't it?

"That's why we came."