Lovely weather for bowls was enjoyed by 17 teams – warm enough for no jerseys or jackets for most of the day, and a very gentle breeze that let us know it was there only every now and again. A warm welcome was extended to John, Sam and Mike, visiting for the first time from Mount Wellington and Royal Oak.
Due to the very late notification of a withdrawal, there was a bye, which was unfortunate because several people had worked hard on Wednesday to get an even number of teams in order to avoid a bye. Also, because the notification was received after the cards had been done and the greens set up for 18 teams, the field was split across both greens when the tournament could have been accommodated on one green had I known of the withdrawal earlier.
The tournament was sponsored by Knightsbridge but was not a particularly successful day for those playing on Knightsbridge green. First, second and third place getters all played on Mayfair green and didn’t play each other.
Ange from Knightsbridge was present to present the prizes, which was appreciated because she was itching to get away to Raglan for the long weekend. Results were tight, which meant it took longer than usual to determine and double check calculations.
Unusually, there were four4 winners, but only first, second and third prizes.
First, with four wins, 27 ends and 55 points for was Ian Coombe, John Valentine and Bruce Aley. Second, also with four wins and 55 ends, but 53 points for was Jan Gledhill, David Payne, and Colleen Rice. Third, with four wins, 24 ends and 63 points for was Colin Rogan, Bruce McClintock and Lindsay Gilmore, who narrowly pipped the unfortunate other four winner team of Larry Cain, Sheryl Wellington and Stuart Jamieson.
It was also very close for the daily prize – the team having the best two consecutive wins. Two teams had two consecutive wins and 16 ends in those two games. The team of George Durbridge, Steve Bartley and Steve McGregor took the money with 36 points for, narrowly beating the team of Barry Baillie, Graeme McGregor and May Chhour who had 35 points for.
Tenth place was won by Tony Trent, Geraldine Wight and Lorna Donald, and the lucky dip by Queenie de la Croix and Christine and Joe Tordich.
Thanks to all those who helped in the many ways that are required to make the day successful and enjoyable. Special thanks to Helen Ailey, Joy Finney and Graham Ward for putting a team together on Wednesday to make an even number of entries in order to avoid a bye – all to no avail as it turned out.
Steve McGregor – tournament convenor