The Harcourts, Cooper & Co Classic was held on Wednesday & Thursday, November 26 & 27 on the 2 hottest days of the season so far. There was a  stiff breeze which was a challenge for some of us but overall the standard of bowls was excellent with some very strong teams competing.

James Dixon kindly organised the  very well patronised Coffee & Cone van which was in attendance on both days.

Unfortunately Martin Cooper was unable to attend Prize Giving but Robyn Coles, Harcourts Mairangi Bay’s Branch Manager spoke on his behalf and presented the prizes. Robyn is a great advocate for living in Mairangi Bay & both she & James are wonderful supporters of our Club.

Winners of the Harcourts Classic for 2025 were Neil Fisher, Bryan Chapman, Ian Fisher and Helen Blick with  29 points overall.  In second place with 27 game points were Leon Wech, Glenda Rountree & Brian Rogers with Murray Radjokovich who played on Wednesday, replaced by Bevyn Darlington on Thursday. Third place went to Chris Taylor, Steve Hoeft, Bevan Smith & Jan Calcott with 25 points. Two teams had 24 points but the team of Evan Thomas, David Payne, Colleen Rice & Keith Burgess had 51 ends to take out 4th place, just beating Garry Banks team who had 46 ends.

Day 1 winners were John Hindmarch’s team and in second place on Day 1 was Garry Banks team.  Day 2 winner was the Irene Donaldson skipped team of Lorna Donald, Graeme McGregor & Barry Baillie. Second place on Day 2  went to Matt Berry’s team.

The Lucky Draw went to Wayne Harris’ team

A big thank you to Enid Di Cesare & Noelene Culpan who were the recorders for the tournament. Thank you to Jo Baxter and her team of Jane James, Sue Jenkins, Colleen Rice, Rosemary Nicol, Flora MacDonald who provided the very welcome nibbles at Prize Giving on Thursday.

Thank you also to John Gledhill & those members who helped out in the kitchen, making the tea, clearing away cups etc. Without a dedicated “tea lady” these  helpers made the Organiser’s days a little less stressful.

Thank you also to Janine, a friend of one of our players who took photos which will soon be on display on our website.

Of course our biggest thank you goes to Harcourts Cooper & Co as without their generous sponsorship we wouldn’t have a tournament. The Club really values the support we receive, particularly from James who is also a Social member of the club.

We will next see James at our Ham & Bubbles tournament & Social evening on Friday December 12. The bubbles have already been delivered, thank you, James.

Harcourts Cooper  & Co are also sponsoring our new Club shirts which we will hopefully receive before Christmas.