Junior Day
Bridge Park Bwols
28 August 2022
Perfect weather meant Bridge Park’s Junior Day on Sunday, 28 August, couldn’t have been played in better conditions, something the 16 teams really appreciated. Players from 12 Auckland clubs and four in Counties turned out for what proved an excellent day.
The event was designed to meet several goals. The day comprised three 16-end Triples games, a couple of brief speeches and dinner. For some teams, it was a chance to get a shakedown before the 1-5 Year championships start next week - for others, it was just an opportunity to get some quality match play in, but in the end, the social aspect was equally as important.
Once play had finished and the first round was on the table, the Year 5 players, whose Junior days were now over, were acknowledged and thanked for their contribution over their careers to date. Nine leading Year 5 players were present and three more sent apologies; those leaving were introduced individually and acclaimed by their peers both singly and as a group.
As all new players are helped in some way by more established ones, it was fair to believe everyone in the room had been influenced, in some way, by the senior 1-5s and felt a token of appreciation was warranted. It was also appreciated by the nine because respect of one’s peers is what any athlete cherishes above anything else.
The nine players leaving Junior ranks were: Philly Akaruru, Adam Blucher, Henry Fane, Linda Fenton, Steve Hodder, Eddie Jones, Allan Lockie, Pip Wilton and Counties player Sally Yoakley. Unavoidably missing were Vili Fifita, Vai Gafa and Kim Tilly.
In the end, every aim for the day was fully met. The quality of play was as good as expected, given the calibre of players involved. Teams got a few things working before championship season starts, respects were paid to those leaving Junior bowls, players enjoyed it, the club made a bob or two over the bar, and dinner went down well!
New friendships were made and old ones built upon; a number of players who will still be in Junior ranks in 2022-23 have already asked to be notified regarding this event next year and if we can bottle the beautiful sunshine - another top day is in prospect.
I would like to thank all the players for buying into the day; those who helped run the event, especially Bing O Te Tini's tireless work getting the food on the table. David Akaruru for keeping one eye on the barbecue, Philly Akaruru for taking charge of the clean-up and directing the troops, and definitely not least, Phil Taylor and Hawkeye (Garry Hawks) for opening up, manning the bar and helping make it all possible.
We’ll be doing it all again in twelve months.
Contributed by Paul Neazor, images courtesy Bridge Park Bowls
|
|
|
|
|
|
Welcoming the new season
St Heliers Bowling Club
25 August 2022
It would have been a familiar scene at many clubs last weekend - club opening days! The well-tended greens and surrounding gardens welcomed club members to the new season. who enjoyed progressive triples and a spider -- and of course, the company!
Be sure to get sorted for St Heliers Tuesday Triples starting 6 September, alternating Tuesdays in the Bays with Kohi. Names into Roger at rlseaton@orcon.net.nz
Contributed by Cynthia Morris
Opening day
Kohimarama Bowling Club
27 August 2022
A bit of wind. Some welcome sun. Add in new members + life members + coaches + past presidents + the board + members ready to get underway equals just the right way to start the season.
Kohi is looking forward to hosting the Auckland bowling community again this Sunday 4 September at the 1-5 Year Fours finals. Tuesday 13 September is the first Tuesday Triples - names into Bev, please, or dash your name up on the whiteboard at the club. See you soon! beverleycallingham@gmail.com
Life member
Kohimarama Bowling Club
27 August 2022
Joy Boyd was conferred with a Life Membership of Kohimarama Bowling Club for outstanding service and contribution. Congratulations and well-deserved Joy!
Joy’s Life Membership badge was presented by Margie Sorensen, the President of Kohi Bowling Club on opening day on Saturday, 27 August.
Joy's dedication to the club is bonded by a generous length of membership and constant contribution to running the club. In her 23 years at Kohimarama Bowling Club, nee Mission Bay Women's Bowling Club, Joy has;
- managed Stitch Craft and Mah-Jong,
- served as Selector, Grader, Social and Kitchen Convenor,
- nearly two decades in the Match Room, including four years as convenor,
- all this is in addition to maintaining an active playing schedule and life outside the club.
When approached about the nomination, her first reaction was that she had not done enough! In addition, Joy has been unstinting in her support of new members. You may recognise Joy cheering for club players in centre events, and she often steps up to be a marker in the singles matches both within the club and in Auckland events.
Joy's exceptional, loyal and outstanding service and contribution have provided a measurable benefit to the club.
Thank you, Joy.
Contributed by Cynthia Morris
Upcoming events
3-4 Sep – 1-5 Year Fours
10-11 Sep – 1-5 Year Pairs
17-18 Sep – 1-5 Year Triples
24-25 Sep – 1-5 Year Singles
1-5 Year Fours
3-4 September 2022
This weekend we kick off the first of our 1-5 Year champion events with 22 teams competing in the Fours.
Many 1-5s have worked on their skills and experience from the recent ABCA winter coaching sessions, then heading on to compete in the Canoe & Campi and ABCA events.
Play commences at 9:00 am on both days. Saturday's qualifying rounds are at Epsom and Blockhouse Bay, with the post section and HQ at Kohimarama Bowls on Sunday.
Good luck to everyone playing. We look forward to seeing you bowling on the greens.
1-5 Year event entries1-5 Year Triples entries close at midnight on Sunday, 4 September - so make sure to get your entries in as soon as you can. |
|
|
|
Auckland Bowls Operations Committee is looking at the playing format for the 2022-2023 Saturday Interclub (Interclub 8s). They would like to find out from players what format you consider to be more favourable with this quick 3-question survey.
Click the link to start the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9SQGZYY
Club events
Juniors at Remuera
Remuera Bowling Club is the place to be for Auckland 1-5 Year players prepping for September's full weekends of 1-5 tournaments.
It is Triples this Monday 5 September. Single entries into Keith by 6:00pm on Sunday, please. Good luck to all playing in the 1-5 Year Fours this weekend!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share your story
Have you got a story, a bit of news,
or a funny recollection about our bowling community - we'd love to hear from you.
