Mixed success for Wanganui seniors

BIG WEEKEND: Dianne Patterson competes at the Gonville Bowling Club where Wanganui won both the senior and academy women's tournaments.

ALL THE hard work to bring the Bowls Wanganui women's senior team back to competitive parity with their neighbouring centres paid off at the weekend as they tasted victory in the tri-series with Taranaki and Manawatu at the Gonville club.

However, the Wanganui senior men had to relinquish their Arnott Shield after two seasons to a very strong Taranaki outfit over at Wanganui East BC.

While the men's Wanganui Blue and White teams were strong outfits, the two Taranaki teams included the Amber squad who had been named team of the year by winning the National Inter-centre tournament in Christchurch last year, where Wanganui placed third.

In fact, that same team had been named the top winners among all categories at the recent Taranaki Sports Awards.

Coaching co-ordinator Joy Lynch said the home sides were just pipped at the post after the three formats - singles to 25 shots, pairs to 18 ends, fours to 15 ends.

"The highlight was the two single players Alan Dickson [Marton] and Bernard Anderson [Wanganui], both being undefeated, while our pairs team and fours sides [were] winning just one out of three games each.

"We did have our chances, especially going into the last round one point in front."

In some consolation, the Wanganui men's academy team retained the Duckett Trophy in the development competition quite convincingly, emulating the Wanganui women's academy team who also did the same at Gonville.

"Not bad, three out of four, and I am sure, more to come," said Lynch. "The Academy side being selected by new selectors and putting together new combinations again. The future does look bright for this new group of young bowlers in experience."

At Gonville, women's manager Aka Alder and coach Chris Waterson were delighted.

The Wanganui senior team finished with 21 points and 27 shots, well ahead of Taranaki (20 -28) and Manawatu (13 +1).

"Whilst all teams had to adjust to the trying weather conditions, the overall results of the Wanganui was very pleasing," said Alder. "The combination of team selection and coaching was reflected in the dedication and the excellent performance of all."

In the academy grade, it came down with shots as Wanganui A finished with 12 points +24, just ahead of Manawatu (12 +10), Wanganui B (12 +9) and Taranaki (12 -43). Alder praised singles players Debbie Wildermoth and Margaret Blinkhorne, the pairs teams (Denise Taylor, Jill Rohloff and Carol Hughes, Gwen Broughton) and the fours skipped by Judy Johnston and Hilary Huwyler respectively. "With the inclusion of new first year bowler Karen Hunt, can only enhance the future of ladies bowls within the region," Alder said.