The weekend of the 22nd & 23rd April 2023 saw the running of the Bowls North Harbour Champ of Champ Men’s and Women’s singles.

Colleen Rice had a bye in her first round and then played Hanaan Shahwan representing Hobsonville in the next round, beating her 21-10.  On Sunday she played Lorna Donald from Milford, also a member at Mairangi Bay, in the semi-final. Colleen started very well and got away to a good lead playing excellent bowls.  Lorna looking down and out, found her rhythm and won the next four ends but Colleen was able to hold on winning 20-15.

The final was against Elaine McClintock from Orewa. Elaine was last year’s winner and beat Millie Nathan from Birkenhead in the semi. Millie had beaten Selina Goddard 21-14 in the quarter final.  The final was close early on, Colleen had the early lead but Elaine fought back, they traded ends and were 10 all.  Elaine then played great draw bowls and Colleen had no luck with her bowls. Elaine came out the deserved winner 21-10. Well done to her, back to back title’s. Top effort Colleen, well done.

In the Men’s we had David Payne representing Mairangi Bay. He had a tough draw. First up he played Brian Wilson from Browns Bay beating him 21-17.  In the quarterfinal he played Bart Robertson from Helensville. David played great bowls to beat Bart 21-19 in a very close game.  In the semi he was up against Steve Hoeft representing Mahurangi East. David led early playing excellent draw bowls but not to be outdone, Steve upped his game and levelled the scores. Steve took the next four ends which proved to be decisive. David was five behind, the jack was rolled up, time was up, so no point playing the last end as David could not get a five.

Steve was the deserved winner in a close-fought game. Disappointing for David but he has had a great season winning our club champs and the Centre Men’s singles.

The final was played between Steve Hoeft and Mike Haggart from Northcote, also known as Fish. Mike played superb bowls right from the get go and Steve struggled on this rink, not bowling as well as he had in the semi. Mike was just too good and ran out the winner 21-12.

Report by Alan Daniels.