Women's team keep crown

EYE ON KITTY: Margaret Blinkhouse lines up her shot at Castlecliff Golf Club.PHOTO/FILE

THE REIGN of the Taranaki men's team was ended at the Academy Hexagonal Bowls Tournament at the weekend, while the Taranaki women's team retained their crown.

The respected representative development tournament is for players with five years or less experience, played between squads from the Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Taranaki, Wellington, Kapiti, Manawatu and hosts Wanganui.

In the men's games, played at Wanganui Bowling Club, the new Wellington and Kapiti Coast squads lifted above the fourth and fifth placings of last year to finish tied on 27 points, with Kapiti Coast claiming the title by virtue of winning 77 games to 34.

Taranaki, champions since 2013, were third on 25 points and Wanganui fourth on 21.

Wanganui manager Mike Morgan said the team was unlucky not to place higher after they lost one game by a point and two other games by two points, which would have made a big difference in the final standings.

Captained by Peter Cassidy, the team's best successes were in the pairs and the fours, where they each won three of five games.

At Castlecliff Golf Club, the Wanganui women, captained by Judy Johnston were in a much stronger position, leading the tournament after three rounds on 21 points, ahead of Taranaki (20) and Wellington (19).

Unfortunately, the team could not get any wins in the fifth round of games and had to settle for third, with Taranaki retaining their title and Wellington finishing second.

However, the strong showing was much improved from the Wanganui women's efforts in 2014, when they finished dead last of the five centres.

"The tournament proved to be another successful enjoyed by all with help from the weather over the weekend," said Morgan.

"Wanganui and Castlecliff were worthy hosts and received accolades from those present and are all looking forward to returning again. The Castlecliff Bowling Club hosting the women went the extra mile and held a carioca event after play and it was enjoyed by those who stayed on."

Final standings:

Men: 1. Kapiti Coast 27 (77); 2. Wellington 27 (34); 3. Taranaki 25 (78); 4. Wanganui 21 (38); 5. Hawke's Bay 10 (-91); 6. Manawatu 10 (-136).

Women: 1. Taranaki 28 (143); 2. Wellington 25 (4); 3. Wanganui 21 (19); 4. Hawke's Bay 16 (-27); 5. Kapiti Coast 15 (-46); 6. Manawatu 15 (-93).