Update 9th December  2014.

Comment on Bowls   by Denis Duffy.

Carey Pratt from Terrace End features again in this week’s column, having added to his recent successes in Hamilton by defending the Hibiscus Cup along with Steve O’Connell. The winning Pair held off the chasing pack by one differential point, but ‘back to back’ wins in any event are an achievement to savour. There were suggestions from the ferociously keen field of Junior bowlers contesting the event on Takaro’s artificial surface that provision for a full round-robin or a final would have improved the format. These additions would of course demand more time, and probably an extra day, which may not be practical. However, there’s no doubting that the Centre’s novices may lack numbers, but not the will to win for their Club.

Janine Noble deserves plaudits for her part in the superb feat of defending her Pathways 2x4x2 title with Barry Wynks. Janine’s consistency in this event has been no fluke, and she clearly belongs among the Centre’s top echelon of Woman players. The final, played against Shane Rogers and Sheryn Blake, was not only the intensely fought contest that everyone expected. It also provided an absorbing battle between a team using the traditional wider drawing bowl and opponents wielding the latest style of weaponry. I thought that the even contest which ensued merely showed what we already knew – that both types have their merits.

The last but certainly not the least honourable mention this week goes to Dean Gilshnan, who nailed his first Senior Singles title at Palmerston North by decisively beating the best in the form of Pat Horgan. In the light of Dean’s formidable skills and national achievements indoors, this was a win that everyone knew was only a matter of time. It will surely also be only the beginning of greater things for an already outstanding player. Dean’s win became even more meritorious because he unavoidably missed the first round of the event, and, with the approval of the Club’s Match Committee, took the field in Round 2 with only one life to defend from the outset. It’s to be hoped that this final might start a trend too in terms of its timing. It was played in late Friday afternoon sunshine around the time club members were arriving in numbers for their refreshments and conviviality. It’s rumoured that Dean inveigled some unwilling associates, including his final opponent, into celebrations that lasted well into the night, but these reports remain unconfirmed.

Thanks Denis.