The Bays Cup has not been run for the last two years, however with generous support from sponsors and volunteers, it was decided, at short notice, to re-introduce the event.  The format is a one day tournament for Junior, year 1 to 5 bowlers, playing 4 games of 2-4-2.  The 2-4-2 format gives these new bowlers experience in being both lead and skip: watching the head build and determining a strategy to win each head.

The weather was kind and the greens were running quickly as they were both cut and rolled on the morning of the event. (thank you Hamish).  A breeze from the North West made things a little tricky for some and very tricky for others.

After game one, there was a break for morning tea (many thanks to Kathy Lloydd for the scrummy cake to compliment the sausage rolls and sandwiches) and after the second game, lunch was provided, thanks to Colleen and her band of volunteers.

And what a lunch spread it was. The quiche was divine and the snarlers were cooked to perfection.  And what about that ham, the salads and the potatoes.  A mighty feast.  And in a whole new initiative, all players and spectators received an ice cream after game three.

Although it was the Sunday of Easter and the fact that there were other events happening around the bowling clubs of Auckland, the 2021 Bays Cup attracted a strong field with visitors from Mahurangi, Milford, Takapuna and Birkenhead.

Congratulations to the Mairangi Bay team of Gayle Horne and Allan Langley, the only team to manage 4 wins from the four games. They had 4 Wins, 21 Ends and 45 Points.

Gaye Horne, Allan Langley and one of the sponsors, Les Boulton.

In second place was another Mairangi Bay team packed with potential.  Well done to Michael Thomas and Glenda Rountree on their 3.5 Wins, 21 Ends and 40 Points.  And in third place, the composite team of Judi Farkash (Mairangi Bay) and Jan Calcott (Takapuna) with 3 Wins, 22 Ends and 46 Points.

It is anticipated that once again this will be a regular event in the Mairangi Bay programme. Many thanks to all the volunteers and to the sponsors.  There is an incredible amount of work getting a tournament like this up and running and the club and the participants very much appreciate all of your time and effort. In a word, SUPERB !!!!!!!

Barry and Cocoa McCrystal, sponsors and volunteers