Not the best conditions to start our Men’s Triples Gala this morning. We were about to start when I looked towards Moutere Hill on the other side of the lake and noticed that it was slowly fading from sight, a sure sign that rain was on its way.
Luckily, it turned out to be only a short downpour, and in no time, we were out on the green.
It was a special day as it was the first time for some years that we have had a men’s only gala, this time supported by 14 teams, local and from other clubs in the area. Though the day remained with a winter look about it, we got through the games, keeping dry until the end of the last game.
Our first game was against Jack Willis and his team, lead Brian Thompson and Alan Shanks in the middle and they all played very good bowls, so much so that for a time, I thought we wouldn’t score. Luckily, we managed to get a bowl or two near the jack and though we lost, at least we were relieved to score some points. A glance at our neighbour’s board gave us some encouragement, seeing that one of our club teams which normally does well, lost their game, going down 17-1.
So to our 2nd game and though we performed better we lost that game as well; we had a chance for a draw but Fred Adams, their skip, drew a shot to prevent us getting that result.
Lunch and then another game and our meal must have down us some good as we came out winners in that game against the Waitarere team skipped by Bill Moran. Paul Gardner led for us in that game and Barnaby played in the middle and this proved to be a good result.
Our last game was against one of the two teams which had had 3 wins at that stage, our chance to knock them from the top position. This turned out not to be, as Rob Cotter, Brian Paquin and Neville Turnbull played too well and went on to be the over-all winner on the day.
From my point of view, I think the day (in spite of the weather) was a great success and the club looks forward to more entries for the next round to be held on 19th November, so that we have a full green.
RESULTS:
1st N Turnbull (s), B Paquin, R Cotter – 4 wins, 27 ends and 69 points
2nd G Snelgrove (s), D Mocham, D Croad – 4 wins, 26 ends, 57 points
3rd B Moran (s), W Larsen, D Madden – 3 wins, 26 ends, 41 points.
(Note, Games were of 10 ends)