Phoenix team gains victory for host club

• Published date: 20 January 2023
• Publication title: Oamaru Mail

The club hosted the Clubs NZ South Island Men’s Lawn Bowls Tournament last weekend

Locals Bruce Kelly, Merv Roper, John Smith and Patrick Kelly combined to win the tournament, beating the Christchurch team, of Rick Day, Paul Anning, Bruce Humphries and Dave Littler from Bowls Papanui in a closely fought final.

Everyone who attended had a great time, Oamaru Phoenix Bowling Club secretary Prem Nath said.

‘‘We have heard that many good comments, it’s unreal.

‘‘We had a function in the Oamaru Club [on Saturday night] and so many people came up to me to say congratulations, when the tournament was only halfway [through].’’

It was ‘‘very cool’’ to see a local team take out the tournament, Mr Nath said.

They came from all over the South Island to take part in the two-day tournament, but it was the Phoenix team which reigned supreme.

Among the 26 teams that entered the event, five were from the Christchurch Richmond Bowling Club.

An organiser from the Richmond club, Murray Brownie, who makes sure Richmond attends the South Island tournament every year, said they especially enjoy coming to Oamaru.

‘‘We enjoy the company and Oamaru itself. We enjoy...