Newsletter No 2 February 2025
Players selected to represent Central Otago at the National Intercentre Tournament in Wellington, March 2025, will soon be announced. We have had considerable success in this event in the past, boosting Central Otago's profile on the National stage. Travel costs have increased and players will be asked to contribute a nominal amount towards these costs.
It is an honour for players to be selected and I'm sure players would appreciate some financial support from their home club.
Central Otago Awards night is scheduled for the evening of 9th May at ADC. Keep the date free.
From The Men's Tournament Secretary Ian Clouston
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The Arvida 1-5 yr singles
was held at Queenstown on 19 th January, 14 entries were received. Some very good bowls were played anindication of the talent coming through. The winner was D Manson of Ranfurly from J Harley of Clyde.
The Flooring Xtra/Rockatipu Stone open singles
attracted 36 players on the Bannockburn Clyde and ADC greens. The final was a closely fought battle between two old rivals Shaun Scott and Bill Clements. Shaun winning the match with his last bowl of the last two ends.
Thanks to all sponsors and clubs for their support in running these
events, also to the markers and results recorders.
From The Women's Tournament Secretary Angela Wilson
Arvida 1-5 yr Women’s Singles.
The day started cool and overcast but turned into a very warm afternoon. Eighteen ladies entered this event, the highest number in quite some time. Some were very new bowlers so it is very pleasing that clubs are encouraging these new players “to get out there and have a go”. I was informed by many of these players that they learned so much by coming along and playing in this event. Most had a marker (per 2 bowlers) but there was the odd occasion due to mis communication it turned into 1 marker to 3 bowlers, however Queenstown members stepped into the breech and filled in —- a big thank you to them.
Play was of a high standard throughout the day with Jill Newton prevailing over Donna Callaghan in the final 21 / 9
S&R Hurley Womens Singles.
Played the weekend of 1st / 2nd of February . The numbers entered (24) meant we played at Alexandra and A.D.C on day one with post section being held at A.D.C. Thankyou to these clubs for hosting.
We had some junior ladies deciding to take on the more senior ladies and the performances showed that they deserved to be there.
Post section play showed us how close our players are to each other, with Pip Kiddeytaking the title from Jane Anderson 21 / 17.
Bowls NZ Umpires Hub Click here
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This is the central resource hub for current and aspiring umpires in New Zealand. Here you will find a number of interactive resources and reference documents to use and enjoy.
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Did you know that the NZ domestic Regulations state:
​11. Requirements for the stamps on bowls (Law 53.5) 11.1 All sets of bowls used for domestic play shall bear a 1982 date or subsequent on the bowls stamp.
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Crutches or Walking sticks 17.11 A player who has a physical disability will be allowed to use a crutch or walking stick. The support must have a base covered with rubber or similar material. This base must measure at least 75 mm across. The crutch or walking stick can be placed on or next to the mat.
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Markers Did you know?
42.2.3 make sure that the jack is at least 23 metres from the mat line after it has been centred; Notes:  you must question a doubtful jack length, even if the players do not
​42.2.7 when asked, tell or show the player in possession of the rink the position of the jack; Notes:  point to the jack and tell the player its position in relation to the nearest bowls, or  hold your hand above the jack for a few second
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More next newsletter........
Men's Development Report - Peter Dunne
South Otago (January 12)
With two players unavailable this gave an opportunity for two other members of the DevelopmentSquad to make their case for inclusion in the Southern 6 team. Whilst both Geoff Short & Rod McMeeken played well, Rod in particular, no-one else let themselves down on the day to initiate being replaced. Overall, we beat South Otago 6 games to 2 losing one singles and one triples (by a point). Once again, the Roxburgh club is to be commended on their hosting of the games (Development & Senior)
Terry Scott
Terry held a practice session on Wednesday, 22 January at the Bannockburn club for the Southern 6 team and, as was the case with his practical session in December, it proved to be very worthwhile. There is no question in my mind that Terry’s input was hugely influential in attaining the result the team did in Oamaru. I believe he is a real asset to Central Otago and we are blessed to have someone of his experience, calibre and demeanour living here.
Southern 6
All went to plan!! Special thanks to Pauline for her efforts regarding the van, accommodation andgear. All players had a playing and casual shirt in addition to the new jackets which looked great. The team worked together as a team from go to whoa. Behaviour was exemplary and they supported one another to the nth degree.
Over the 5 sessions the team won 3 of 4 each time so in effect lead throughout the tournament accumulating 45 points with Dunedin next best on 33 points (4 wins less). Whilst it looks comfortable now it was still possible to be beaten going into the last session. Nobody warned me that my heartwould get such a workout!!!
Singles – Mark Daniels 3 of 5
Pairs – Steve Archer & Dave Chisholm 4 of 5
Triples – Gavin McDonald, Grant Hammond & Todd Swain 3 of 5
Fours – Marty Duff, Dewald de Beer, Murray Carter & Ben Peter 5 of 5
The composure of the unbeaten 4’s in particular was simply outstanding and I place the credit here with Terry Scott. They were down in a number of games but simply played it end by end. The same can be said of the Pairs who always stayed in the fight picking up 4 wins. Mark Daniels played some outstanding bowls and fought back from 1-11 to win his second game played. The triples had 3 huge wins and losses by 1 & 2 points. A little more composure and they could have won 5 but one can’t be critical. As Terry said “a winner evaluates their losses” so the players need to do that to move onto the next level.
Ladies Coach and Selector Report by Carl Street
17 players from Central went to Balclutha at the end of January to contest in the Southern Six tournament. A very strong team performance gave the Open squad a clear win and the Development team narrowly beaten in to third place on differential. A great achievement for all players with the Development squads performance securing us the Combined Open and Development Southern 6 title. This was our first outing with the new jackets which looked fantastic.; there is no doubt that they helped the team work together and feel proud to represent the centre. Thank you to Janice from Alexandra Bowling Club who joined the development group for this tournament.
With no time to rest we head to Christchurch on Friday 7th February to take part in the Super Sixes tournament playing against senior teams from across the South Island over the weekend. This will be a big step up and challenge for a number of our players, the experience will be invaluable in expanding the strength in the team which continues to grow with each event.
Immediately following the Super Sixes tournament Angela, Margaret and I will make final selections for the Lex Kimber, Over 60’s and Intercentre 7’s tournaments which are all in March.
Around our District by Ian Hall
During our season, we'll take a trip around the Central Otago Bowls (COB) district which stretches from Queensrown to the Maniototo sub-centre. Let's start at the Queenstown club which has a spectacular location in the Queenstown Gardens overlooking Lake Wakatipu and with an historic pavilion. It can be a challenge to navigate the Frankton traffic to arrive on time for your game, and parking adjacent to the club is limited. The club has 38 members (24 men, 14 women) and notable players are Margaret O'Connor (51 centre titles) and Jane Anderson (21 centre titles).
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Continuing our journey around the bowling clubs in our district, let's visit the Arrowtown club, an easy 45 minute trip over the Crown Range. This is a well-established club sitting in a beautifully sheltered position alongside the local swimming pool and fire station and the club is renowned for its "fast" green.
The Club has almost 80 members and the pleasant clubrooms are well used by the local community for gatherings and functions. The Club's raffles are well known for the quality of the prizes.
It's a strong playing club as well with Allan Brash holding 11 Centre titles and Diane Brash has five titles. Kelvin Jackson has 5 titles while Debbie Jackson has 7 titles. This year the men won the fours: Peter Dunne, Grant Hammond, Allan Brash, Peter Bain. The women won the Interclub 7's for the second consecutive year and the men also won the 7's after being runner up last year.
As with Cromwell, the Club always flies the New Zealand flag on tournament days. As well as helping to gauge the wind direction, a vexillogist will say that there is "nothing sadder" than a flagpole with no flag flying.​
​Editors Pick. Great TV Watching​
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Some of you may have seen games from the Trans Tasman Challenge. The calibre of the games and commentating was excellent. These are my picks from those that I managed to watch.
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​Trans Tasman Womens pairs 31 January 2025 Click here
​Trans Tasman Men's Fours 31 January 2025 Click here
Trans Tasman Mens Triples 2 February 2025 Click here​
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