What a great day this was. There were 32 players taking part and I believe everyone would agree it was very enjoyable.
Five games were played, with a break for lunch after the first three games. The break was a welcome relief for some, as it was a hot day.
There are certainly some characters amongst the various clubs and they added to the already friendly atmosphere.
Tony Gatford, as usual, managed to attract the attention of the camera man/woman: waving his arms wildly from the verandah of the clubhouse. A mystery that no-one but Tony could explain. It must have taken a bit of energy as he was also caught stretched out on the seat of one of the shelters taking a wee nap.
Ian Calder, obviously behind on his homework, caught catching up on his notes. A very serious task, as he was totally oblivious to the flash of the camera.
Doc Murray, with his usual good humour, letting out little gems and his rather catching laughter, lifting the spirits of those around him.
Elva Cooper, who never gives up, carrying her chair to rest on between her turns to throw.
Jean Baine, trying desperately to convince the opposition that there was a new rule just released that entailed the removal of the opposition’s best ball, for a crime that only Jean could conjure up.
Jan McCarthy, Kapiti’s Club Captain, let loose on the hooter, loudly declaring the start and finish of each game. She had the grace to warn those in the proximity to block their ears prior to the blast. Judging by the grin on her face each time, it was an enjoyable task.
Kapiti’s second defence was at home to Hataitai. Like the previous match Kapiti started strongly winning all three first round games.
In the second round, Kapiti won two of the three games to retain the Trophy. In the third round, Hataitai won two games to close the gap. The final score was Kapiti 6, Hatitai 3.
This was the final match in Round 24. A new draw will made at the next WPA Committee Meeting on 8 February 2018.
Twenty-one teams have entered the WPA Open Triples this Saturday (9 December) at Otaki. An extra team to avoid a Bye would be appreciated. Please contact Graeme Morris (027-247-9370).
Ian Bailey/Alan Cameron/Vaughan Husband (Manawatu)
Twenty-one teams took part in the fifteenth annual WPA Open Triples. After three years at Manawatu, the Triples returned to Otaki for the second time.
The morning saw the teams play 4 games (snake/random draw) to determine rankings for the afternoon knockout sections. Games were 50 minutes, plus 1 end, which meant that you had to get going right from the outset.
In the afternoon, the top 8 teams played in the Trophy, the next 8 in the Plate and the final 5 in the Bowl.
The Trophy final was won by Annick Le Guen, Christine Strichen and Claire Wilson 13-8 against Grant Bray, Pete Hamilton and Michael Rocks.
The Plate was won by Trish Biddle-Amoroa, Shirley Madgewick and Richard Turfrey 13-5 over Steve Frampton, Shirley MacDonald and Graeme Morris.
Yvonne Futcher, Dave Gatchell and Ann Hogg won the Bowl 13-4 against Don Fraser, Shirley Fraser and Lynne O’Connor.
Eleven players and one coach from the Wellington region will be involved in the 2018 Trans Tasman match in Tauranga next March.
Open Men
Jared Handford (Christchurch), Stephane Montel (Christchurch), Tom Paulo (Panmure Pioneers), Adelys Taraunu (Panmure Pioneers), Nico Toyne (Hataitai), Georgio Vakauta (Vikings)
Neville Frost (Dunedin City), Dave Gatchell (Horowhenua), Pete Hamilton (Wanganui East), Bill Peachey (Hibiscus Coast), Lee Taffard (Bay View), Mervyn Wilson (St Kilda)
Murray Porter (Bay View) is the coach.
Senior Women
Claire Bradburn (Silverstream), Marilyn Bunce (Alexandra), Ann Hogg (Otaki), Shirley MacDonald (Otaki), Angela Maxted (Kennedy Park), Sheryl Parslow (Wanganui East)
Jean Parley (Stanley Bay) is the coach.
Jared Handford and Nico Toyne previously played in the NZ Junior team against Australia in 2008. Jared was a member of 2010 Pan Pacific team. Sutima Paijit will make her international debut against Australia. Lee Taffard and Ann Hogg are playing for the Senior team after previously being in teh Open team.
