South Island win narrowly

It took them a little while to find the place but the South Island indoor bowls team still made their quickfire stop in Wanganui worthwhile as they narrowly beat the home team 26-22 yesterday afternoon.

Having drawn their opening North Island tour game with North Wellington-Horowhenua on Friday, the South Islanders arrived at Jubilee Stadium on the back of two Saturday wins against Hutt Valley and Upper Hutt Valley.

However, having to also travel to Manawatu for a Sunday evening match-up, the South Islanders took their time getting to the Wanganui fixture where the locals were patiently waiting to give them lunch.

"We were trying to get here by 12pm, needed a brief stop in Bulls for a leg stretch and cup of tea," said Martin Nordqvist, president of NZ Indoor Bowls.

After lunch, Wanganui got the early advantage in the first round, winning the women's singles, triples and fours and drawing the pairs.

They also took out the men's singles and triples, giving them an overall 11-5 lead.

Wanganui manager Alton Heaslip said they hoped to give the visitors "a good hurry up", although the tide began to turn.

"The reality set in, these South Islanders know what they're doing."

South Island won the men's pairs, fours, and drew the women's pairs.

In the second round they came back strongly; winning all but the women's singles to take a 19-13 lead.

Wanganui also came back in the final round to win the men's singles, triples and fours, as well as the women's pairs while drawing the women's fours.

However, the South won the men's pairs, along with the women's singles and triples to stay a step ahead.