Wanganui power shining through

Robbie Robertson at the Wanganui East club. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

Bowls Wanganui has joined the ranks of other sporting codes in the district that have opened up the borders for a combined Premier competition with Manawatu in an effort to give their top teams more quality match-ups.

The "Ranfurly Shield" literally an old 'log o' wood trophy' resurrected for this new purpose was on the line during the first two rounds at Wanganui East bowling club on Saturday morning.

Each of the top four Premier 1 sides from Wanganui will take on the top four Premier 1 teams from Bowls Manawatu in a combined inter-club competition.

The Men's games were held in Wanganui while the Women's matches were in Palmerston North.

This competition has been introduced due to the declining numbers of players in both centres.

Bowls Wanganui chairman Phil Corney said after the next two rounds of the home-and-away format, the Premier 1 teams from each centre will play another round amongst themselves to see who from each zone will qualify for the National Interclub Finals in early 2014.

"It will improve the play for both centres," he said, still cheekily showing his colours by adding the Wanganui quality was strong while the Manawatu teams were only "a little bit" behind all within earshot of some of the visitors.

"We're probably the first two centres [in New Zealand] that have done it. We're so close, being a 45 minute drive. "

There will be a $500 cash prize for the best men's and women's teams.

Coming out of the Men's games yesterday the Durie Hill, Wanganui East and Aramoho clubs were all in the best position with four wins from six games. Best of the Manawatu clubs was Northern with three wins.

The second round will be held on November 23.