If the above photo looks familiar and you think you may have seen it once or twice before, it’s fair to say you would probably be right.
That’s because for the third year running, the Pt Chevalier trio of Aiden Takarua, Alex Reed and Colin Williams have combined to take out the Milford 5000 triples, once again posing after an unbeaten run – registering four wins in the post-section of the Main Event.
Now in its eleventh edition, the event, held over the Waitangi weekend, has fast become recognised as one of the richest junior tournaments in New Zealand, with the Milford Bowling Club enjoying a surge of interest and exposure as each year passes.
Initiated by former club members Tim Preston and Graham Doreen, the event was launched to attract top junior talent from throughout the Auckland and North Harbour centres, though with the sizable prize pool up for grabs, teams from further afield have found themselves lining up to take part in the showpiece – an event endorsed by the Bowls New Zealand Summer of Bowls programme.
The event sees 32 triples entries, (two 1-8 year bowlers and one under 5-year bowler), take to the greens on day one, with the primary aim to finish in the top 16 of the field. At the completion of the four qualifying games, the top half of the draw are separated to compete for the Doreen Preston Cup, while the lower tiers compete for the Plate honours.
At the completion of day two, Takarua’s side had once again proved too strong, winning every game and securing their third successive title – albeit having to fight back and win by one point against a spirited Mt Albert trio.
Their efforts saw them pocket the $1500 winners’ cheque.
Reflecting on their third win from as many starts, Takarua said the team were “stoked” to come out on top again, praising the tournament for its hospitality and professionalism.
“Milford do such an amazing job with this tournament, it’s always so smoothly run, from lunch to the games itself. The day flows in a nice timely manner and it’s such a great tournament,” Takarua said.
“I hope it continues for a long time to come.”
However, for Takarua, who also won the event in his first year, this season marks his final year of eligibility – with Takarua now eyeing up a place at the prestigious Birkenhead Pairs in 2021. Reed and Williams remain eligible and may look to continue the Pt Chev winning trend.
2020 Milford 5000 Plate winners Graham & Linda Farley and Ian Hughes.
Meanwhile, Orewa’s Irene Donaldson, Willie McIvor and Judy Smith finished second on three wins and 49pts, while Frankton Railway trio Mark Pene, Warwick Flintoff and Michael Lyttle took out third place, also with three wins, though finishing several ends behind on 46pts.
In other results, Balmoral’s Linda Farley, Ian Hughes and Graham Farley won the Plate event with three wins and 49pts, Milford’s Ian McKenzie, Lyn Calver and Joy Watkinson finished second on three wins and 46pts and Pt Chevalier’s Keith Earl, H Fane and Jean Claude rounded out third place with two wins and a draw.
The Milford 5000 Triples will return in 2021.
Results at a Glance
2020 Milford 5000 Triples, Milford
Main Event
Champion: Aiden Takarua, Alex Reed, Colin Williams (Pt Chevalier)
2nd: Irene Donaldson, Willie McIvor, Judy Smith (Orewa)
3rd: Mark Pene, Warwick Flintoff, Michael Lyttle (Frankton Railway)
Plate Event
Winner: Linda Farley, Ian Hughes, Graham Farley (Balmoral)
2nd: Ian McKenzie, Lyn Calver, Joy Watkinson (Milford)
3rd: Keith Earl, H Fane, Jean Claude (Pt Chevalier)