A host of lawn bowling teams gathered in Whitianga for the weekend regional Surf and Turf Tournament hosted by the Mercury Bay Bowling Club Friday 28 – to Sunday 30 August.
Surf and Turf annual Tournament is quite the event with 32 teams competing. The Mercury Bay Club provides breakfast, lunch and dinner – a host of volunteers in the kitchen was testament to that. The Saturday rain was a slight dampener but out came the umbrellas and raincoats and with such a good all weather turf, the bowling tournament didn’t miss a beat. Sunday’s sunshine was a boost however with an 8.00am start. Bowling teams come from all around the region and two teams came from Christchurch. Representing their Papanui Bowls Club, they drive all the way. Some of the Christchurch bowlers have been coming for 16 years The Informer spoke to Grant who was one of the drivers and a first timer to this tournament.”
“We loved the drive – the scenery and I can’t believe how beautiful the Coromandel is. I was spell bound by Tairua on the way here. But it’s the generosity of our hosts and the friendliness of the people whenever we stopped that makes this such a great experience. “
Malcolm, the President of Papanui Bowls, spoke about the planning and effort preparing for the tournament each year.
“Darryl organises polo shirts and warmer sweat shirts with the annual Mercury Bay tournament insignia. We want people to know we feel privileged to be a part of this Tournament. We have designated drivers and a great van for the road trip.”
Speaking to Robyn Anderson, Vice-President, “It is a success already and Sunday is just beginning. With Saturday night’s heavy rain, the Club brought out the karaoke machine, and it was a good-time hoot for everyone.
“We are very appreciative of Hopper Living and their monetary sponsorship from The Moorings. It has made such a good tournament possible.”
Opposite the winners are first and second divisions in the Surf and Turf Tournament are presented with their awards by the Marketing Manager of The Moorings Retirement Village, the major sponsor.
Winners of 1st Division
Phillip Goddard
David Weatherley
Debbie Lee, Sponsor The Moorings
Richie McKeever
Erryl D’Sylva
Winners of 2nd Division
Allan Peers
Belinda Goodall (Skip)
Chrissie Peers
Debbie Lee, Sponsor The Moorings
Danny Goodall
Why not check out joining the Bowling Club? Being made welcome, knowing you’re useful, and playing on a great turf are consistent experiences at this Club.
