Last weekend saw the opening event of the Bowls North Harbour champ of champ events.  The women’s singles was played at Sunnybrae with the final at Hobsonville and the men were at Hobsonville both days.

Representing Mairangi Bay were Irene Donaldson ad David Payne.  Irene played a first year bowler from Sunnybrae, Joanne Staines.  She played beautiful draw bowls and had local knowledge of the green.  Irene was down 14-7, she was starting to get a better feel for the rink and clawed back to 16 all.  Joanne played some great bowls and edged ahead 20-18, Irene picked up a one on the next end 19-20, and two nice bowls in the next end gave her the win 21-20.  A very close finish.

In the quarter final she was up against Sue Hart from Hellensville, Irene started well but Sue kept coming in with waited shots all of which came off.  She was either taking off Irene’s shot bowls or running the jack into the ditch. Sue running out the winner 21-14.  Irene felt she bowled better in this game than she did in the first game but did not come out the winner. Sue went onto the final.

Irene would like to acknowledge all the support she received at the game and also for all the messages she received.

David played Lindsay Gilmour from Browns Bay.  Unfortunately David started too slow and Lindsay got a good lead. David finally found his rhythm and started to claw back the lead.  David was holding groups of shots but Lindsay manage to come in and reduce the count to one.  One end to go, as time was up on the clock, David was holding the win with Lindsay to bowl his last, you guessed it, in he came and managed to cut it back to one, Lindsay winning 19-17.  Thanks to Kevin Cameron who was there to support David.

So no joy to our two representatives but as we know, it is on the day.

In the finals, Brent Malcolm from Takapuna beat Mark Rumble from Birkenhead 21-15.  In the women’s, Lisa Dickson from Takapuna beat Sue Hart Helensville 21-11.

Report by Alan Daniels.