The gents from Te Atatū faced a tough challenge when the section-play draw was published. They got a strong start by defeating Tauranga’s Graham Skellern skipped trio. In round two, they narrowly beat New Zealand Blackjack Sheldon Bagrie-Howley and his Gore side 16-15, the first of many one-point matches, leading into a bye and closing their day at New Lynn.
Over at Royal Oak, the Auckland Bowling Club ladies had a day to forget! The trio just couldn’t find their rhythm or the jack, which led to losses to Paritutu 12-17, Omarunui 12-19 and Buckland 3-20, and an end to their campaign.
Day two saw the Te Atatū team compete in a “Battle of the Bridge” esk face-off against Riverhead going down 17-18. In round five, they needed a win to qualify, and they achieved it by narrowly defeating former Auckland rep, Rory Soden’s team in the last end.
During Saturday afternoon’s post-section play, which was televised, Te Atatū scored big, picking up a four on the first end and a five on the fifth end, extending their lead to 14-4. This left Te Atatū comfortable, continuing to a 20-12 lead starting the 17th end. Despite attempts by the Martinborough trio to change the game plan and kill to score the required deficit, Te Atatū hung on to win the match 21-12.
Sunday morning’s semi-final was a true battle of the young up-and-comers with father-son dynamics. Adam skipped for his dad, Peter and Kaylin Huwyler (Paritutu) skipped for his dad and Bowls NZ President, Piripi. As expected, it was an extremely competitive match, ending with a one-point margin. Unfortunately not in Te Atatū’s favour. Adam, Brendon, and Peter took home a bronze.
Auckland has managed to secure a medal in each discipline, so far. We wish our ladies from Bridge Park and the men from New Lynn the best of luck this weekend in the Fours. At the time of posting, we are not sure of the broadcast matches details, so if you’re free, pop into Royal Oak or New Lynn and show your support for our local players.
