Update 12^th November  2014.

Comment on Bowls   by Denis Duffy.

Men’s Division 1 Interclub is now complete, which in itself is probably the crucial issue to emerge from a controversial second day’s  play. It’s a matter of history that Northern came through as winners only after the recorders had to use the third of four available means to separate them from the other leading contender, Palmerston North 1. Two sides finishing on the same number of match points is not unusual, but to find their respective shot differentials identical is rare, and it was only on ends won that the winner was determined. Ends are not usually a factor in Singles matches, and this helped to make the final situation a real talking point. It’s no wonder that those of us toiling under a hot Dannevirke sun in Division 2 were confused by conflicting messages emanating from Bowls Central at the Palmerston North greens. Credit must first go to the winning Northern Club, which has had a superbly consistent record in this event for many seasons. This time, as always, they had players of long proven top class in the three key positions – Mark Noble in charge of the Four, Philip Skoglund Skipping the Pair, and Terry Johnson in the Singles berth. However, returning to my opening point, this outcome surely proved that a head to head showdown between the two best performed sides after the Round Robin would have been a more satisfactory way of finding the winner. It’s been done that way not too long ago and there was ample time left last Saturday for it. Alternatively, such a high profile showdown would certainly attract even the most apathetic Bowls watcher. It’s obvious that this type of finale to competitions, with everything on the line in a climactic match, is very much in vogue these days across a wide range of sports.  Finding the right day in a crowded calendar would not be easy, but the Manawatu competition is at present very brief by comparison with the majority of Centres.

The two new Manawatu representative selectors have unveiled their teams for the Tri-Series hosted this weekend by Wanganui. This event has existed in various formats for many years under the title of the Arnott and Duckett Trophies. Eric Watson’s Women’s team looks very sound, with its most eye-catching combination in one of the Pairs where Sheryn Blake and Georgie Kahui-Rogers will surely take a lot of beating. It’s also good to see the return of Palmerston North’s Nola Urbahn. Tania Harris and Christina Bryan are two exciting players to watch in the Development section. Tania played impressively in the 2x4x2 Pairs over Labour Weekend where she and husband Bruce missed the Quarter-Finals on an extra end, and Christina stood out in the team that recently ran second in the WKWM Rep. fixture at Masterton.  Sharon Sims’ first Men’s team has a strong base in the Singles, where Shane Rogers tops the list. He is named with Brian Looker, who steps up after having previously featured only as a fringe Fours selection. Sharon has named a power-packed Four which must be some sort of pointer towards the major events later in the season. Pat Horgan has again been in dominant Club form, and he will step out with Chris Barrett at Lead backed by our two Glasgow medallists in the engine room. Jason Moore has been off the greens for some time and it’s good to see his ability recognised so soon, while the selection of the youthful Eion MacIntosh, now playing at Terrace End, is a sound investment for the future.

    

 

Thanks Denis.