"The friendly club in the heart of the Bay."
27/04/10 - The Annual "Fish and Chips" day was held today, the 'Guest of Honour' is pictured alongside. A record turn out of of 32 members attended (though some were there merely for the honoured 'guest'. The morning play was followed by the feast with the bonus of a cheesecake dessert. Afterwards the ladies were entertained by two virtuoso performances by Merle Jamieson and Mollie Norman playing the piano accordion.
23/04/10 - Only six teams (18 players) took part in the Mixed Champ Triples over the past two days. Again, a round robin was played and it turned into a fairly cut-throat affair. After four of the five rounds no one was out in the clear - any of three teams could win. Gary Andrews, with Ted Barker and Pat Andrews, held his nerve the best to take the trophy with three and a half wins and +13. Lynlie Edwards, David Thompson and Walter Riddell had the same wins but a lessor differential. The event was enjoyed by all, it was only a pity that more could not have participated.
18/04/10 - Eight teams played a round robin in the Mixed Champs Fours played on Friday and today. Cool and blustery conditions on Friday gave way to a warm and gentle breeze on Sunday. With four wins on Friday, Lance Orsler and his team (Ron Parton, Judy Smallbone and Pat Couchman) foreshadowed the final result. They remained unbeaten until the final round when the eventual runners-up, Des & Jeannette French, Faye Coombes and Dale Maxwell, cleared away from them. Unlucky was Lynlie Edwards' team who held the trail until they lapsed in the last game
14/04/10 - The Women's Centre Champ Triples commenced on Monday at the Ohope and Whakatane greens. After two days, the triple of Josephine Connolly, Bev White and Sue Pepper qualified with two wins on each day. A family bereavement meant Josephine was not be able to continue and her place was taken by Lynlie Edwards, no other Omanu teams managed to qualify. With Bev now skipping, the team gained the first round bye but went down to the Ngongotaha team of Mere. Missy and PK.
10/04/10 - It was a mild and sunny day at Ngongotaha for the finals of several Men's and Women's Champ of Champ events. The sun, however, did not shine on our Champion Triples team of Josephine Connolly, Bev White and Sue Pepper who went into the last three with two lives intact. In the first game they went down to a determined Matua team on the last end, their loss in the next game to Gate Pa was left until the last bowl. They did us proud though and were greatly appreciative of those club members who travelled to Rotorua in support.
9/04/10 - The Mixed Pairs Champs were played out in perfect Autumn weather. There was a disappointingly low number of entries, but those that did participate enjoyed the occasion and the high quality of bowls played. Top qualifiers on the first day were Pat and Gary Andrews with Josephine Connolly and Lance Orsler in second spot. However it was the 7th (out of 8) qualifiers who proved to be giant killers. Pam Rhodes and Walter Riddell brushed aside Josephine and Lance, then Mary and Trevor Hingston and took out the final over Pat and Gary.
06/04/10 - The ROF Singles were played today with the weather Gods being very obliging. They subjected us to showers only before play, during the breaks for morning tea and lunch, and then significantly after play. Seven senior members battled very competitively, being sustained by a chocolate muffin for morning tea, a good lunch break and an early finish that allowed plenty of time to get home for an afternoon siesta. Stuart Pemberton beat all opponents and emerged as a clear winner. Richard Root was runner-up with 2 wins and a draw.
01/04/10 - The annual Jack and Jill Mixed pairs was held on a beautifully mild autumn day with sixteen teams. Most games were closely fought with only one four winner emerging from each green.
Winner; Lance Orsler (S) and Josephine Connolly.
Runner-up: Bev White (S), and Ken White.
29/03/10 - While the Women's Monday Triples still have several more rounds to go, the Men played their final today at Gate Pa. Having won their section, Omanu were faced with the other section winner, Omokoroa. Two of the teams leapt to early leads but at the three quarter mark the opposition were barely trailing. All three teams though finished strongly for a three to nil victory. While many players contributed throughout the event, the teams on the day were;
Team A; Jim Pratt (S), Charles Pettit and Don Allen.
Team B: Ken White (S), Jim Whitelock and Garth Murdoch.
Graded: David Thompson (S), Paddy Curtis and John Wheeler.
14/03/10 - Champ of Champ Fours were played this weekend at Rotorua. Lynlie Edwards' team survived day one with a life intact but lost the first game this morning. Well done Lynlie, Mary Conroy, Margaret Bromell and Pat Couchman. In the Men's event, John Francis' team was missing both George Hollingworth and Noel McLeod, he and Trevor Hingston being the sole survivors. In a tough draw they lost to Wayne Phillips on an extra end and went down in the second game too. Larry Pepper and Colin Wood filled the vacant spots.
06/03/10 - With only eight teams entered an opportunity was taken to play a full round robin of matches. After the seven rounds, last year's winners again proved top of the heap securing 5 wins and a draw, well clear of the field. Well done David Thompson and Walter Riddell. Lance Orsler and Ron Parton (4 wins) came home second, just ahead of Trevor Hingston and Colin Wood.
03/03/10 - Well-known Mount bowler Noel Wilson led his team to victory in the RSA Nationals held in Nelson this week. Together with our own Ted Barker and Lead Bill Hill they achieved a ten-win streak to gain the honour. The two other Mount teams also enjoyed a variety of success, Athol Preston and his team gained a 'lucky draw', but the best prize went to John Hardy and his men who had the confidence to buy the winning 'horse' in the Calcutta.
Teams from Kaitaia to Gore competed over three days. Paul Malcolm from Tawa was the victor in the Consolation event. The Nelson organisers of the event, having been impressed by the running of last years tournament in Mt Maunganui, invited Ken White to take charge of the recording - he enjoyed the challenge, Bev enjoyed the holiday.
28/02/10 - After lying in second place after the first round, the Bay Juniors performed exceptionally well to claim victory over Counties-Manakau, Waikato & Thames Valley at Thames on 27 February. Our own Pat Andrews lead the way winning her three games of Singles. The first game against Waikato (who had beaten Pat in the first round), was won convincingly. The next two required determined come-from-behind efforts. Well done Pat and the Bay.
27/02/10 - Today, in perfect conditions 16 combatants strove to win the Veteran Singles Competition. After a lot of excellent games just two four winners emerged. Jim Pratt, who's name features prominently on the Cup (including for the last two seasons) was pipped on differential by Veteran newcomer John Jennings. Colin Wood headed the three winners to claim third place.
26/02/10 - On a warm day just 32 Members who participated in the Founder's Day event enjoyed a good day of bowls and a barbecue. Played as a progressive competition, the winners were:
Graham Caie (Skip), Pierre Syben, June Gerrard and Neil Meltzer
The Runners-Up: Gary Andrews (Skip), Colin Wood, (to be advised) and Kath Steiner.
21/02/10 - Seven years ago Bev White and Josephine Connolly won the Centre Champ of Champ Triples with their partner Alice Shaw. Sad to say, yesterday, the day this year's event commenced, Alice passed away after some years of severe illness.
Over the past two days, Josephine and Bev along with Sue Pepper have progressed through the Championship to the last three, the only two-lifers left. The last game this afternoon against Matua was a cliff-hanger and required an extra end. Matua and Gate Pa are the remaining one-lifers and the event is scheduled for completion on Saturday 10 April.
14/02/10 - Will members please note that the Mixed Club Draw and BBQ scheduled for 4.00 pm on 20th February has been cancelled. There are only half a dozen entries and it clashes with Saturday Inter-Club in which many players are involved.
12/02/10 - The thirty or so club members who turned up today were treated to some great bowling. It was a unique occasion as a men's semi and final, together with two women's finals were played on the same day and green. It was a corker day, warm, sunny and relatively free of the winds that can ruin a game of bowls.
In the Women's Pairs, Runners-up Mary Hingston & Marion Caie were away to a slow start but were well back into the picture with a few ends to go. Sue Pepper & Pat Andrews crept ahead and maintained their lead to take the title. The Fours too was a tight game but the somewhat more experienced team of Lynlie Edwards, Mary Conroy, Margaret Bromell & Pat Couchman came out ahead of Pauline Bailey, June Gerrard, Gail Wood & Kath Steiner
The semi final between Jim Pratt & Gary Andrews and Ron Parton & Lance Orsler was an even tighter affair, the scores being tied after 16 ends. Pratt was holding shot but Parton rested the opposition bowl to gain his win. After sitting out the bye, the other finalists, Des French & Colin Wood, took a while to get out of second gear and the game came to a close before all the ends were completed. Still, they were far from disgraced. Ron Parton has an excellent record in the Champs having taken the title on all but one of the times he has participated over the past two years. Lance Orsler too has gained many mentions on the Honours Board over a number of years..
08/02/10 - Friday 12th February will be a big day for Championship Finals. The Ladies Fours & Pairs Finals and the Men's Pairs Finals will be held commencing at 9.00 am. In the Women's Fours, Lynlie Edwards, Mary Conroy, Margaret Bromell & Pat Couchman face off against Pauline Bailey, June Gerrard, Gail Wood & Kath Steiner. In the Pairs Mary Hingston & Marion Caie meet Sue Pepper & Pat Andrews.
In the Men's Pairs there are three one-lifers. Jim Pratt & Gary Andrews face Ron Parton & Lance Orsler, while Des French & Colin Wood have the bye to the final.
29/01/10 - Finals of the Women's and Men's Singles Championships took place today. In the Women's event, Josephine Connolly retained her title. Mary Conroy took a life off Josephine in the first round and retained both of her lives until the contest was reduced to 2 players. Josephine came back to take both of Mary's lives. Mary Hingston and Sue Pepper were the eliminated semi-finalists.
For the Men, Ron Parton also retained his title. In a tough contest where quality bowls were played, Ron held off Lance Orsler's challenge. After a tight first half, Ron managed a 4 point buffer which he then held on to for the rest of the match. In the lead-up games, Lance took a life off Ron and Ted Barker eliminated Gary Andrews while Charles Pettit enjoyed the bye. With four one-lifers left, Ron and Lance saw off Charles and Ted respectively.
22/01/10 - The Men's Championship Fours final was fought out today in testing conditions. John Francis, with Noel McLeod, Trevor Hingston and George Hollingworth were up against Graham Caie, John Jennings, Tom Clarke and Winston Davey. Every end was closely contested and the scores were tied just as often, as each team lead throughout the match. There were never more than 2 points separating the teams. Graham went into the last end one up, but the lead changed once more and John Francis' team are our new champions.
In the lead-up matches Jim Pratt, the last two-lifer, was beaten by Graham Caie while John Francis accounted for Ron Parton. Graham then enjoyed a bye while John took Jim's second life.
10/01/10 - The Women's Junior Singles took place this morning on a beautiful calm Summer day. There were only the two participants but still the games were very competitive. In game one of this two-life event, Pat Andrews came home by a narrow three shot margin over Colleen Houghton. Another win in game two gave Pat the trophy.
The Junior Men had eight contestants and the bowls played complimented the conditions. There were some great battles, after the first day the field was reduced to 3 one-lifers. The first game saw Dave Thompson (last year's champion) up against Bay Representative Andrew Davey. The match was very closely fought and the standard of bowls and shot selection top class. At 20 all in the last end Andrew unfortunately nudged one of Dave's bowls closer to the jack - twice. With the last bowl of the game he wasn't quite able to give it another nudge and Dave breathed a heavy sigh. The final was then between Dave and Dale Maxwell who had taken one life off him the day before. Dale proved that was no fluke and with steady draw bowling edged away from Dave and held a break throughout. Well done Pat and Dale.
06/01/10 - Second day of the Fours and two more games required to qualify. Unfortunately there is not much of a story to tell you. After losing their first two games today, they were unable to qualify and are out of the competition. Shame you couldn't do it again but we are all proud of you.
05/01/10 - Still sunny but very windy in Wellington as the National Fours section play starts. The defending champs, Kay Tomlinson (Richmond), Bev White, Josephine Connolly and Colleen Kempton (Richmond) are playing today at the Park Avenue Club at Naenae. Starting at 8.30 am, it will be a long day with three games of 18 ends to be played.
The first team they played was the Mangere team skipped by Emma Waerehu who gave them such a tough battle in the semi-finals last year. To win 15-12 in this game was a great start to the event. The second game against Tui Opai's Wellington Composite team was lost. One more game to go today against the Betty Bleasdale's Lower Hutt team. The result was a 26 4 win with the last three ends unplayed. Keep up the good work team.
04/01/10 - This mornings final was played in sunny conditions and was broadcast on national radio sport. Their opponents were New Lynn's Reen Stratford and Bev Crowe. Frequently throughout the game scores were tied and after 12 ends the score was 11 all. After 17 ends, the girls were 15-14 down with one end to go. The last end went against them, the final score was 17-14. Ladies, you did well - Runner up in the National competition is a great achievement.
Bowls New Zealand reported as follows:
"In the women's pairs, the Auckland composite of Reen Stratford and lead Bev Crowe were victorious in picking up the 2010 Women's Pairs National title defeating the formidable Omanu combination of Bev White and Josephine Connolly 17-14."
03/01/10 - Sunday morning in Wellington, wet and windy with predicted gusts of up to 100 kph. Not a great day for playing bowls but Bev and Josephine were off to a good start. They won their round four match against Leanne Chinnery & Gemma Collett (Birkenhead/Stoke), taking them to the quarter finals. Carrying on, their next opponents were Lois Ritson and Cathy Andrews (Lepperton/Paritutu). After 17 ends the scores were tied at 17 all, a two in the eighteenth gave our girls the win.
After a late lunch they faced their semi-final opponents, high-pedigree Karen Coombe, Wanganui & Genevieve Baildon, Hillcrest. One more tight game found them tied at 12 all at the seventeenth but a fantastic five on the last end put them into the final. A late report in the Bowls New Zealand web site reads:
"The Women's Pairs final will be between Omanu's Bev White and partner Josephine Connolly and New Lynn's Reen Stratford and Bev Crowe with White easing past Wanganui's New Zealand representative Karen Coombe and international team mate Genevieve Baildon 17-12 in the semi final."
02/01/10 - Qualifiers in the Pairs met this morning in sudden death play. Bev and Josephine played at the Lower Hutt Women's Bowling Club in squally conditions. They had a great tussle in their first game against the local Hutt team of Fiona McKinlay & Liz Dibley. On the last end, holding two but needing four to win, Bev drove the kitty to the ditch for the win. Their second game was against Sandra Keith & Sandra Holdom of Allenton, Ashburton, who too were not lacking in supporters. The game was equally tight and they only came out victors after winning a measure in the last end, 14-13. The two wins today takes them into the last sixteen, they will play at the Hutt club tomorrow.
30/12/09 - Another difficult, windy Wellington day at Petone Central caused problems for our girls. In the first game of the day, they were well beaten by the Hikurangi combination of of Manu Timoti & Betty Pouwhare. They went on to win the second game on an extra end, 16-15 against Marie Simpson & Rae Hammond of Mangere to qualify for Section play. Their next opponents, Waikenae's Annette Piper & Jenni Paterson, needed the game which they played winning by 18-11. Kay & Colleen failed to qualify so they will be keen supporters when Post Section play starts on Saturday.
29/12/09 - Rain, the bane of last year's Nationals in Auckland, has hit Wellington. As of 9.30 this morning no play has been possible on the flooded Hutt Club greens where Bev White & Josephine Connolly were due to play at 8.30 am. Play eventually commenced with our folks winning 21-9, beating the Blenheim/Wanganui combination of Glenda Bishop & Vivien Dunbar. The second game after lunch was played in difficult wet and windy conditions. It resulted in another victory, over Angela & Marion Skinner of Carlton/Cornwall by 22-14.
Play continued in very windy and tiring conditions, a further win against Lynn Clifford & Bev Doherty of Lower Hutt (23-9) making it three for the day, very satisfying. Their team-mates, Kay Tomlinson & Colleen Kempton did not have such a good day in their strong section played at Whakatiki, Upper Hutt. Unfortunately they failed to win a game on day one.
28/12/09 - Today was the first day of the New Zealand Nationals played in Wellington. Only one club representative, Josephine Connolly, elected to play the Singles which started today. With 200 entrants playing in 25 sections, it is tough to win the three out of four games to qualify. Playing at Petone Central in cold but dry conditions, Josephine made an excellent start by beating Ann Muir of Kensington, Whangarei, former NZ representative and Team Manager, in a close game 21-19. Further results as they come to hand.
The games don't get any easier, Josephine's second opponent was top Elmwood bowler Val Symes. This time, the position was reversed with Josephine going down 21-19. After lunch Josephine played and beat Jessie Sneddon of Paraparaumu Beach 21-14 before losing the final game to NZ squad member Patricia Murray, again of Kensington, 21-12. Although she did not qualify Josephine was well satisfied with her day.
19/12/09 - The Bill McDonald Box Drawn Fours Trophy event was held on 18th December. This year it was played as a mixed event for the first time. With three wins and a draw, the winners were Gary Andrews S), Margaret Bromell, Paddy Curtis and John Wheeler. Runners-up were Des French (S), Garth Murdoch, Kath Steiner and Faye Coombes.
12/12/09 - Today the BoP Juniors played the first leg of the quadrangular series against Waikato, Thames Valley and Counties/Manakau. In a typically hard fought tussle three teams, including BoP, finished on 10 points, Waikato just nudging ahead on differential. Omanu representatives, Pat Andrews and Andrew Davey acquitted themselves well. Andrew played at two in the fours winning one game against Waikato, Pat played the singles. A Waikato ambush in the first game had her down 15-0 but she fought back to finish 18-12 down. She went on to win her next two games and was named player of the day. Well done Pat. The second (and final) leg is played in February.
11/12/09 - Seventy two members joined in the Club's domestic Christmas Hams Tournament. This was played today in great summer conditions - ideal bowling weather. The Sponsor for the event was the OceanShores Retirement Village who provided a magnificent range of hams for the fifteen winners. The progressive triples format gave everyone an even chance which was reflected in the prize winners who were;
Skips; Charles Pettit, Mary Hingston, Lance Orsler, Jim Pratt & Jim Whitelock.
Directors; Walter Riddell, Margot Siddell, Trevor Hingston,, Pierre Syben & Colin Wood.
Leads; Colleen Houghton, Andrew Davey, Faye Coombes, Larry Pepper & George Hollingworth.
04/12/09 - Our third-year bowler and hard working Secretary, Pat Andrews, has again been selected for the BoP Juniors She will play the demanding Singles role, which she says was her preference when selected. We wish her, and Sue, well in their representative play and in the Centre Singles which takes place this weekend.
03/12/09 - The Minchen Trophy was played for today in difficult wet and cold conditions. As the only four winner, the trophy went to the team of Winston Davey (Skip), Jack Dobson, Frank Pettit & Pat Andrews with the Runner-up prize going to three winners Noel Laurent (Skip), Pierre Syben, June Gerrard & Dale Maxwell. The third prize was taken by Tom Cairns (Skip), Ted Barker, Ray Bailey & John Wheeler
26/11/09 - Although the Baywide InterClub was played over two weeks ago, the Men's results have just been confirmed. The Omanu Development team of Tom Clarke and Don Shand, who played 3 bowl pairs, and Ted Barker, Larry Pepper and David Thompson, who played 2 bowl triples have won the Baywide Men's Development Division. They tied with Arawa on 19 match points but were awarded the win by having a superior points differential. The pairs won four of their seven games while the triples won five with a drew and a loss. The guys are very pleased with their win (and to match the girls) and thoroughly enjoyed their three days of play.
23/11/09 - Gary Andrews has written a discussion paper concerning the Club programme for this and future years. He explains some of the reasoning for the timing of Championships and other events and invites discussion on these issues. Read he full paper here.
22/11/09 - The Men's Triples Championship is well advanced. The last five saw Lance Orsler (with Ron Parton and Don Shand) up against Jim Whitelock (with Dave Cook and Bert Day.) Graham Caie (with Winston Davey and Garth Murdoch) played John Jennings (with Ted Barker and Tom Clarke). Des French (with Colin Wood and Ron Kilduff) had the bye. Lance and Graham prevailed, then Lance played Des fighting out a close battle which Lance won. The finals will be held on 27th November starting at 9am. Lance has two lives and Graham only one.
19/11/09 - Two days play was enough to finalise the Women's Championship Triples played today. Having to defeat the ultimate Runners-Up, Mary Hingston, Marion Caie and Pat Andrews twice in the course of the day's play, the Winners, with two lives, were Josephine Connolly, Bev White and Sue Pepper.
12/11/09 - The Men's Handicap Singles was played out on 12th November. In the semi-finals Ted Barker was up against Jim Whitelock, and Winston Davey confronted Don Shand. Ted and Winston cleared away from their opponents to set up an enthralling final. Good steady bowls saw an even match with some excellent play. Ted came out the winner. In the plate final a world first was created with both finalists weilding bowling arms. These 'Stick Men' (an affectionate and respectful nomenclature) had a great tussle. Walter Riddell, with a bit more experience with the 'weapon' overcame a tenacious Trevor Hingston.
8/11/09 - Once more our Omanu ladies proved their bowling prowess in this weekend's BoP top Interclub event. Our development team played a full round-robin coming out on top. The Pairs team was Sue Pepper and Pat Andrews, the Triples team was Pauline Bailey, Kath Steiner and Pat Couchman. Their selectors are proud of them as are the rest of the Club.
8/11/09 - The Annual BoP Interclub was held this weekend in Rotorua and Tauranga in cool but clear conditions. Results, as always, were mixed but both the Women's Development team and the Men's Premier Division teams had good results which will be covered as they come to hand. Bowls has a reputation as a 'gentlemanly game', where an Umpires ruling is accepted without question. These Umpires give their time freely, they have been tested in the laws and practices of the game, they are re-tested regularly, and many of them participate in monthly meetings where they hone their knowledge and discuss the practicalities of the Laws. It is disappointing to report that once more during this event, an Umpire's ruling has been questioned and ignored by senior players. I suspect that the time is close when our Umpires will decline to be subjected to such humiliation and opt out of these duties.
2/11/09 - Ron Kendrick 1927 - 2009
This web site doesn't usually do obituaries, but in Ron's case I will make an exception. Ron was a son of Wanganui and a product of the famous Eastown Railway Workshops. To us at Omanu, he was firstly a bowler, I remember he won the Champ Fours a few years ago with his Retirement Village mates. He was also an active Umpire and spent many years as Match Convenor, both here and at Matua. That is how we will remember him.
He wasn't just a bowler. To hundreds of Tauranga's seniors, he was the non-threatening, non-technical guy who helped them with their computer problems at SeniorNet. And he did that using plain English! To those in his apartment block, and elsewhere in the village at OceanShores, he was 'Mr Fixit'. Never to busy to help out, and he was tall enough to change a light bulb without the need of a ladder. I and many others will miss him - he was our friend.
31/10/09 - Our seventh year bowler, Sue Pepper, has been given an exceptional honour by the Centre. It is quite rare for a junior, but she has been chosen to play in a full BoP representative team next month. Congratulations Sue, we are proud of you.
30/10/09 - Our second 8 point Triples club tournament, sponsored by Mount Export Meat was held today. A full green of 16 teams competed in cold windy conditions for the four prizes on the day. Winners were Noel Laurent, Dale Maxwell & Elizabeth Powell, Second Keith O`Connor, Iris Kilduff & Don Shand, Third Gary Andrews, Rae Rogers & Pat Andrews and Fourth Brian Cotter, Ray Bailey & Mollie Norman.
29/10/09 - A good week for the girls! The "Prentice Cup" was up for grabs today at Matua and Omanu made the snatch. Josephine Connolly, Karen Clarke, Sue Pepper and Elizabeth Powell took out this graded event in blustery and difficult conditions. Yesterday was a Fours, Leads & Twos, Tournament at Tauranga. A lovely fine sunny day for bowls in which 12 teams played. Two Omanu teams took out first & third places. The winners with 3 wins were Pauline Bailey, Sue Pepper, Kath Steiner & Pat Andrews. Coming in third with 2 wins and a draw were Gail Wood, Pat Couchman, Colleen Houghton & Elizabeth Powell. Good to see our newer bowlers doing so well.
21/10/09 - Three Omanu teams entered the BoP Centre Fours held in Tauranga this week. The team of Josephine Connolly, Bev White, Karen Clarke and Sue Pepper won four games from six (losing the other two by one point only) to qualify for Post-Section play. Returning to Matua this morning, the team beat the Mount team skipped by Bev Schollum to take them into the last eight. They met the strong Wendy Green skipped Taupo team in the afternoon. Scores were even throughout but a two on the last end sealed a four point victory for Taupo.
17/10/09 - Several Men's teams, (the Omanu Surfers) and one Women's team played in the first day of the new Western Bay Interclub event. This will be played over a period of six months, one day each month (two games). No spectacular results have been brought to my attention, but everyone seemed to enjoy the day. An afternoon rain shower did little to disrupt play at most venues.
13/10/09 - A number of Omanu teams were among the eighteen playing today at Te Puke. Two teams each won four games, the overall winners being the Omanu team of Josephine Connolly, Merle Jamieson & Sue Pepper. They were playing for the impressive Lapwood Trophy which they were pleased to bring home to Omanu. The threatened rain stayed away and a good day was had by all.
06/10/09 - There has been a programme change for the Women's Handicap Singles. This will now take place as a one day tournament event to be held on Tuesday, 27 October. There will be 3 games of one hour, thirty five minutes to the bell. Will you please note this in your programmes. A club drawn event will now be held on the original date, Thursday 22 October.
04/10/09 - Rain and some wintry blasts are disrupting the early season, the club's 2x4x2 Saturday morning event having to be canceled yesterday. Our Omanu women though are soldiering on, four teams participated in the Cossie Club Triples today which was reduced to two games because of the weather. The winning team was Josephine Connolly, Bev White and Sue Pepper and the runner-up Pauline Bailey, Bev Murdoch and Gail Wood with a Cosmopolitan team taking out third prize.
The men also had their day at the Katikati "Pork and Puha" tournament. A full green of 16 teams participated in the rain-affected play with only two and a half games played. Outright winners with 3 wins was the Omanu team of Des French, Colin Wood, Trevor Hingston and Ron Kilduff.
02/10/09 - Our first eight point team entry club tournament was held today with a full field of 14 teams entered. Six teams won three games each, the top 3 were;
First: Gary Andrews, Rae Rogers & Pat Andrews
Second: Colin Wood, Joy Inch & Gail Wood
Third: John Jennings, David Thompson & Gwen Jennings.
A good day was had by all despite the wind, though there was no rain. The day finished with a sausage sizzle & drinks, raffle results & prize-giving.
22/09/09 - Periodic showers disrupted the Vision Papamoa Women's Triples held today at Omanu. The Mount provided the winning team with Chris Topp, Marie Booth & Maree Brown, Omanu filling the next three spots. Second was Elva Cooper, Rae Rogers & Audrey Humphrey, Third Josephine Connolly, Bev White & Sue Pepper, Fourth Margaret Dalley, Joy Inch & Karen Clarke.
17/09/09 - The Travelcom sponsored Women`s Leads & Twos Tournament held today went well with 14 teams competing. The winners were the Omanu team of Sue Pepper, June Gerrard & Jenny Pluck with three and a half wins. Sue was very pleased as it was her first win as skip. The Runner-up was the Tauranga South team of Lois Kelly, Shirley Cross & Amy Leaper with three wins. Our Juniors continued their success on Saturday at the Cossie Club. Pauline Bailey, Kath Steiner & Kath Purdy came second, the third prize also going to Omanu with Sue Pepper, June Gerrard & Fay Coombes
5/09/09 - Opening Day was attended by about 80 members, 64 of them stayed on for a game of bowls in the afternoon. They had a very enjoyable day and a lovely lunch. Margot did the official opening as President Colin was not well. There is a great season ahead of us, our new green is looking fantastic thanks to the efforts of so many.
23/07/09 - Reported by John Jennings. The great pile of turf has finally been removed, thanks to contractors Fulton Hogan. We appreciate their generous donation of both labour and machinery, saving us many hours of hard labour - not to mention the cost.
After some anxious days waiting for suitable weather we were able to complete topsoiling and wiring. On 14th July the green was planted with Maniototo. The whole green is now covered with scrim and the prospect of a good coverage looks great. Timber and concrete work has been completed around the perimeter of the green. Approximately sixty cubic metres of topsoil was spread over the green, all by barrow and soil spreader. A great "EFFORT" by all who assisted in some form or other over the past couple of months. More work is still to be carried out but the most difficult part has been completed. Many thanks to all.
Thanks John, and all the rest of the team. We will all be thanking you when the season starts.
10/07/09 -
Western Bay Interclub:
Format: side of 6, 2 x triples.
Venue: Matua BC
Dates: Thurs 27 Aug, Thurs 3 Sept, Reserve day Thurs 10 Sept.
All ladies interested in playing for Omanu in this year's Winter Inter-club tournament please put your name on the sheets in the Club or phone Josephine Connolly
06/07/09 - Reported by John Jennings. Last Thursday we poured the second and final top surface concrete surrounding the green. An artificial strip will be placed on top of this, allowing for bowls to be placed on a soft surface. Holes will be drilled through the concrete for the scoreboards. Hundreds of hours have been spent on this green but arranging working bees has been no problem. The response from members has been great. Thanks to the ladies who have supplied morning teas which were much appreciated.
Prior to soiling, the whole surface was drilled - the first time I have seen our drilling machine in action. To date we have barrowed 46 cubic metres of soil onto the green. 2 x 9 cubic metre truckloads and 7 x 4 cubic metre truckloads. More than a few sore bodies after this and more to come when the maniatoto (which has arrived) is sown. Last week the whole surface was tractor laser levelled, saving a lot of work for us. Of course we also barrowed the original cut turf from the green. This pile is still sitting there awaiting removal by a contractor who has donated the service (so we can't push him). We really need to get rid of this pile.
A critical part of this renovation has been levelling the baseboard and top of the concrete blocks. A lot of time was spent on the foundation and endeavouring to get a straight line around the top of the concrete blocks to allow fastening of the facing boards. Replacing rotten base boards, reducing height of the base on the Northern end and packing the remainder, allowing for installation of the new plinth board. Hopefully this week, weather permitting, we may be able to wire the green and sow the maniatoto. Assistance from Mount Club members for this work is much appreciated.
Eve's green hasn't responded as quickly as we would have liked - possibly due to heavy frosts. Play could be 4-6 weeks away. With only this green available we need to nurse it carefully.
Thanks John for your report and all the hard work you and the dozens of members put in.
03/06/09 - Today marks the fourth anniversary of the bowlsomanu website. There are now 24 pages against the six or so at the start but the basic structure and objectives have remained constant. We supply information concerning the clubs programmes, officers, sponsors, as well as championship and trophy winners. We provide contact information and conditions of membership together with a short history of the club for anyone interested. As well, it is usually via the webmaster that you receive email reminders of important functions and late changes to your programme.
Apart from the many articles about member's successes, some seventeen individual members have had their story told. They have been chosen not specifically for their bowling ability but for their service to the club and to the community. These members, past and present, set an example to the rest of us and their stories are told both as an inspiration and as an illustration to the wider world of the quality of our membership.
Lastly, the Web site is a two-way form of communication and your positive participation has been actively encouraged right from the start. There have been interesting debates which have served as a reminder to the membership that we cannot stand still. The BulletinBoard, though sadly underused, provides an opportunity to sample membership opinion and is a useful supplement to one-on-one suggestions to the Executive. All in all, the site portrays an active and vibrant club, proud of it's successes and preparing for the future.
22/05/09 - There was a fairly good attendance at today's AGM which had to address a declining membership and decreasing financial resources. The meeting voted to retain subscriptions at the current level while increasing the fees payable for various club events. Most positions have been filled with the principal exception of Men's Vice-President and as well Bar Manager. President Colin is ineligible for re-election next year so the question of his successor will need to be addressed. The right of members to raise contentious issues via the website 'BulletinBoard' was again the subject of hot debate.
03/05/09 - Two full greens of bowlers attended the Honours Day mini tournament and a much greater number were present for the presentations. The Rotorua gardens is a great setting and the Rotorua Club looked after their visitors as well as ever. Sponsors of the event, the Southern Cross Building Society, represented by Mandy Airlie, put on a magnificent afternoon tea enjoyed by players and visitors alike.
A number of Omanu members, complimented by the M.C. for their 'colour co-ordination', applauded vigorously each time their club was honoured. Firstly for the Baywide Interclub Women's Development Team for their win, next for Pat Andrews Runner-up in the Centre Champ of Champ Junior Singles. Finally, Bev White and Josephine Connolly received a great accolade for their part in claiming the Women's National Fours title. A further source of pride was the nomination of Josephine for 'Player of the Year'. With seven other outstanding nominees it was tough going, the title going to Iain Dalton of the Tauranga South Club.
02/05/09 - Some 30 members braved a cool and drizzly morning to participate in the Closing day roll-up. Some further 25 arrived at mid-day, where they were all cheered considerably by a magnificent finger food lunch with a hot cuppa. Prizgiving followed and forty-something trophies and runner-up certificates were presented. A social hour afterwards was well attended