Talking bowls, with Simon Westby

BOWLS: The burning question for the week appears to be this. If centre titles are supposed to be the highest level of competition in each region, why then was the recently held mixed pairs event awarded centre title status when it had a gala day format with wins, ends and points being collated to find the winning team?
Surely the idea of any competition, especially at this level, is to find the best combination. To be able to do this luck needs to be taken out of the equation as much as possible by having a final. Each team should proceed through section play and then the knockout phase where the cream will come to the top in a strong and meaningful competition, and please don't even think about getting me started on time limits.
There will be arguments for this format and the usual hoary old chestnut of there not being enough weekends to fit the event in will rear its head, but this needs to be looked at post-haste. Judging by the amount of conversation that has taken place on the subject quite a few people hope that common sense prevails and the cheapening of a centre title does not continue.
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I know it's a bit late to promote a tournament for this weekend, but the Ohakune Bowling Club are having their closing day event this Sunday.
The format is triples and can be mixed or otherwise. Outside entries are more than welcome and Ken George informs me that a good time will be had by all and the whisper is that Harry Thompson has got his hands on a feed of pork. So if you want to try bowls out in the regions give Ken a call on 06 3858560, he promised me he can fit you in.
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Sport and Recreation Wanganui have recently appointed Stuart Dempster as director of coaching. Stuart's role is to assist all coaches in the region, and to promote the benefits of coaching as a worthwhile and valuable activity. He has various projects on the go at present but his first item of business is to establish a database of coaches to set up contacts for the sharing of information. To help him out with this you can email Stuart on s.dempster@sportwanganui.org.nz.
By doing this coaches will be able to be kept in the loop about the latest developments, along with the opportunity to upgrade their coaching skills through regularly held clinics. Sport and Recreation Wanganui have also added a coaching section to their website which can be accessed at www.sportwanganui.org.nz and then clicking on the "Coaches Club" icon.
All information about coaching related Simon's email address simonwestby@hotmail.com