16th June saw 18 teams of 1-3 year bowlers ride in to Glen Eden for the annul Great Western Tournament where junior bowlers get their chance to compete against their peers without having to face any veteran bowlers.
After a week of bad weather what a great blue sky morning with no sign of rain fingers crossed 🤔
Arriving first the Green Superintendent Graeme Storie and then the match organizers. Then following behind were very eager juniors scouting out the green as well as enjoying the warmth from the sun, though those this their Stetsons on were at an advantage as the bright rays from the early morning sun meant the bowlers had the sun in their eyes in alternating ends for the first game.
As usual for the Great Western Showdown we had a good turn out with teams from Howick, East Tamaki, a composite team from up north, Carlton Cornwall, Orewa, Mairangi Bay, Rockynook, Blockhouse Bay, Mahurangi, Mt Albert, Papakura and our own juniors from GEBC.
The day ran smoothly and everyone enjoyed the morning tea, freshly baked scones & the YUMMY 😋 lunch.
It was great to watch the up and coming juniors from all over Auckland and further north. They all enjoyed themselves on the day and the supporters as well.
The games finished just in the nick of time, the sky turned grey and the heavens opened up. AGAIN THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR TIME 😀 until next season for more new juniors coming through.
The Winners
1st Dave Cowley, Graham Lewis and Wade Bealey (Howick) 4 wins, 32 ends and 68 pts
2nd John Paladin, Beryl Truebody, and Pauline Russell-Green (Orewa) 4 wins, 31 Ends, 62 Pts
3rd Neville Rogers, Richie Rogers, Maroana George (East Tamaki) 3 wins, 31 Ends and 53 Pts
Consolation prize to Teresa Cowie, Tomislau Culav, and Gordon Cowie (Rocky Nook)
The best dressed Bob – sheriff & horse, Ann – red jacket Waikato Rodeo Assoc. & cowboy hat. Alister – Indian Chief Geranimo.
The Bowls Chair and Match Committee would like to thank
- our sponsors Robyn, Sue and Ryan from Barfoot & Thompson Glen Eden
- Peter & Yvonne Lipsham, and Sharon Stewart for their sponsorship
- Graeme Storie & Barry for getting the green ready.
- Barry and Lenny for volunteering their time if needed for umpiring assistance and other various jobs.
- Teresa,Yvonne, Agnes and Lashay for getting the morning tea and lunch for the juniors.
- The Bar staff Melissa briefly in the morning, Olivia and Dan.
- Darren for taking photos at the beginning of the tournament.
- Bowls Chair Sharon and Match Committee Janet for running the tournament.
- A very big thankyou to all the juniors that participated in The Great Western Showdown and to all the supporters that came to watch.
If I have missed anyone to thank I apologize.
