Last weekend saw the running of the Bowls North Harbour champ of champ pairs.
Representing Mairangi Bay, were Gaye Horne and Joy Watkinson in the women and Wayne Glogoski and Barry McCrystal in the men.
Wayne and Barry, played at Belmont, they had a bye in the first round, round 2 was the round of 16 and they played a local Belmont team.
They both struggled early on with the speed of the fast Belmont green. They were behind early but managed to claw their way back to get in front but the Belmont pair then pulled away to win 19-11.
The final was played between Ian Hardy and Jerry Belcher from Takapuna, and Grant Goodwin and Gordon Smith from Riverhead.
The standard of the pairs was very high, the Riverhead team running out victors 23-8.
The women played at Hobsonville, Gaye and Joy had a tough draw to start the day. Millie Nathan and Lauranne Croot.
Both played very well with Joy playing exceptional lead bowls out-bowling Lauranne which set up the win.
In the quarter final they played Lorna Donald and Jill Wallace from Milford.
They did not start well giving away a four in the first end. After five ends they were down 10-1, then 12-2. They were thinking, do we come and watch the finals tomorrow.
All of a sudden they both found their mojo, played some top bowls and came out with the win 21-14.
Sunday was finals day and next up for Gaye and Joy was Takapuna, Lisa Dickson and Lauren Mills, two bowlers in form.
Lisa was in great form, drawing exceptionally well and playing weight when needed and Lauren playing consistent lead bowls.
Our team said they did not play as well as on the first day, but they were under pressure right from the start.
Gaye’s claim to fame was that she twice killed the end when down three and then four.
Still a top effort by Gaye and Joy to make the semi-final.
Lisa and Lauren went on beat Hanaan Shahwan and Carol Voshaar from Hobsonville in the final 20-6. Lisa winning her 20th centre title.
A great effort by the Hobsonville team with Hanaan a year six player and Carol a year 2 player.
Once again a big thank you to all the Mairangi Bay supporters, who have been fantastic over the champ of champs.
Report by Alan Daniels.