Update 23^rd  September  2015.

Comment on Bowls   by Denis Duffy.

Two recently confirmed moves by top players will  make a significant impact on relative club strength in the new season. The big one is the move by Philip Skoglund to the  strong and famously cashed-up Eastbourne club, competing in the Wellington Centre’s Interclub. Eastbourne has previously imported national legend Gary Lawson and former NZ Singles champion Justin Goodwin in their quest for the kudos of being the top club in the country. Former top Manawatu player Ray Lovie also plays there, and Philip’s arrival will further add to their strength. The Wellington Interclub season is much longer than the Manawatu one, and this extended competition at a good level will appeal to Philip. Locals will surely wish him well in the light of his long and dedicated service to Manawatu. Philip’s illustrious father, the late Phil Skoglund, also trod the Wellington greens for a couple of seasons when in his prime in the early 1960’s . This was when he had just the first of his National Singles titles in his CV, and before he became established as an all-time great in the game. Just how the move will affect Philip’s representative status remains to be clarified. Northern’s ace Singles player, Terry Johnson, already a full Palmerston North member, has now made himself available to represent the Centre’s most numerous club in this season’s Interclub. These moves leave a gaping hole in the top echelon of players at Northern, and will make it a real challenge for the traditionally strong North St club to repeat last season’s success. Johnson’s shift must further position Palmerston North as favourites this season.

The recent opening of the Manawatu Centre’s season at Johnston Park was favoured by idyllic weather conditions and was greatly enjoyed by all participants. So well were the Johnston Park greens running that many of the early deliveries ended up in the ditch, and their superb condition so early in the season earned many plaudits. Johnston Park will be the venue on 18th October for an Under 8yrs representative match involving the Wairarapa, Kapiti and Manawatu Centres. This fixture will be an important part of the build-up to the national Under 8yrs event which Manawatu bypassed last season but are preparing for in earnest this time. The winners on the day were the Takaro trio of Ian Johnson, Kevin Dustin and Brian Jarvis.

Thanks Denis.