North Island Bowling Club Tournament.

Organised and hosted by Mercury Bay Bowling Club.

Thirty Two teams representing 128 layers plus friends and family members, from as far away as Foxton, New Plymouth came to Mercury Bay for the annual two-day Surf and Turf Bowling Tournament held at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club in Cook Drive, Whitianga, Saturday and Sunday, 26 and 27 August

The tournament, sponsored by Moana and OPC, was blessed with very fine, sunny weather, lots of meeting up with old friends, the making of new ones, along with great home baking making. It was a memorable weekend for everyone. Some had been coming 23 years. For others like young Hunter from Ngongotaha (pictured), it was their first time. President, Robyn Anderson, spoke at the presentation time, “The young players are our future, we need to nurture them.”

Robyn Anderson, President, gave credit to her team - “good natured, efficient and inclusive”, the club members who gave their time on the two days with catering and ground duties, Tournament Director – Graham Goss, Tournament Controller – Dale Tegg and Catering Organiser - Irene Goss.

She acknowledged the three life members present – Pam Philips, Don Bates and Peter Sheehan (100 years old) - their work and dedication had set a foundation for the future. Peter Sheehan presented the awards for the Tournament at the close of Sunday’s programme.

Sponsors: In addition, Robyn thanked the Sponsors: OPC Columba, Moana NZ Ltd., Countdown, Bottle 0’Liquor, Dicky Bergman (Jim-wild pork) without whom such a significant annual event could not occur.

Results: Division One: First: Papakura Leader - Jeff Morris; Second: Thames Coast; Leader - Adele French; Third: Thames Coast; Leader Chris Barber (Crackers); Fourth: Whitianga; Leader - Shane O’Hara.

Division Two: First: Orewa Leader: Bruce Tatnell; Second: Buckland/Pukekohe; Leader - Ron Smith; Third: Thames Coast; Leader - Ross Marshall; Fourth: Foxton Beach; Leader - Jenny Stokes.

Caption: A colourful visiting bowling team.