Although the final day of the Blind Bowls Nationals started in drizzly weather at Petone Central yesterday the weather cleared to allow the final three rounds of the pairs competition to be completed. The winners were found in all of the four divisions after some hard fought matches. In the B1 division Marilyn Savage (Director Anne Easton) and Louise Henry (Director Debbie Hutchinson) won the title from Parveen Shankar (Director Kevin McGregor) and Christine Litchfield (Director Elizabeth Hennelly) in second place.
The B2 title was also a hard fought division with the Singles winner Ron Syme (Director Takai Rahui) teaming up with Mohit Arora (Director Di Sharpe) to win the final against a brand new blind bowler from Auckland, Gerald Brouwers (Director Willie Carter) and Steve Yagmich (Director Martin Lydster).
The B3/B4 title was won by a Hawkes Bay pair. Don Clark (Director Phillip McNeill), a very experienced player but playing in his first nationals teamed up with Ken Jordan (Director Fay Chisholm) to take out the event. Finishing in second place were David Stallard (Director Peter Blick) and Violet Coates (Director Barbara Dunn).
The New Zealand Blind Bowling Association is delighted with the event and the participation of all players and directors during the championship. Considerable progress was made by players in their first and second year of competitive bowls and also by more experienced players who were competing in their first national championships. The national titles were won by a diverse range of players many of whom were playing in their first nationals. Grateful thanks are extended to all of the volunteers from Petone Central under the daily leadership of their President Sandra Prichard. Without the support of all of the hard workers from Petone Central and other nearby clubs this event would not have been the great success that it was. Special mention and grateful thanks needs to go to Yvonne Gibb for her leadership from the outset in planning the coordination and logistical details of the event and the Tournament Director Gerry McGregor from the Johnsonville Club who ran the event on a daily basis and made sure it proceeded in an efficient and fun manner. Our thanks to you all.
Any Club who would like to be considered as the host club for the 2014 Nationals to be held at the end of November or early December is invited to contact the NZBLBA President, Greg Johnson at gregjohnson@orcon.net.nz .
For more information please go directly to the Bowls New Zealand website:
http://www.bowlswellington.com/