Easter Bowls To Arundel's Riwaka Four

In a tense final which sparkled to life over the last six ends, Vern Arundel's Riwaka four beat the Nelson team, skipped by Frank Hinchcliff, 19-16, to claim the annual Easter Fours' bowling title.

Tricky wind and green conditions contributed to wide heads during the initial stages of the match and it was not until the wind dropped that players began to draw their shots consistently. During the final the score fluctuated, with both skips enjoying the lead at times. Eventually the steadiness, which had been a feature of Arundel's men, won through and they claimed the trophy.

Entries were slightly fewer than last year but the 96 teams who entered enjoyed the tournament.

The champion four: Vern Arundel (skip), Austin Ansell (3), Merv Edwards (2) and Roy Girvin (lead)

The Nelson four was runner-up: Frank Hinchcliff (skip). Mace Allen (3), Eric Russell (2) and George McKenzie (lead)

This Dannevirke four lost 9-11 to Arundel, in a semi-final. They are Kingsley Schroder (2), Wally Burne (3), Jack Tucker (skip) and Les Schroder (lead)

Another semi-finalist, Bill Wilson's Central Petone four, lost 12-13 to Hinchcliff. They are Eddie Joyce (lead), Fred Senior (3), Bill Wilson (skip), and Bill Carruthers (2)

"C' monnnn!" Fred Hinchcliff gives his shot a mental push

And looking very anxious about the result of his bowl is Riwaka's Roy Girvin

Keeping a close eye on things are Bert Nightingale (Nelson) and Naenae players Hubert Kennedy, Bob Williams and Bill Clout, who has missed only one Easter tournament in 26 years.

Maitai player Frank Pricolo (right) explains how easy it is to drop six shots on the last head and lose, to Tom Hatton (United) and Bill Collins.

Tahunanui's Roy Glasgow sends one down

Skip of a Tahunanui four, Des Bariball looks as if he's directing traffic

Eric Coote (Nelson) displays fine form

Decisions, decisions! Albert Pickering (Dobson) and Jim Radcliffe (Tahunanui) caught in a moment of decision, Or indecision?

Frank Foote (Nelson) and George Scott (Dannevirke) combined to win the inaugural consolation pairs' tournament, for non-qualifiers in the main event. In a gripping final they beat R. Morrissey and W. Luke (Dobson), 21-20.

First prize for outstanding headgear must surely go to "Texas" Jack McMahon, who sported this fine example of a solar ray deflector

A scene from section play on the R.S.A green

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The Nelson Photo News

No 138 : April 29, 1972

Easter Bowls To Arundel's Riwaka Four