A severe frost had not totally left the green when 18 players began the Wilton & Co Realty sponsored Shanghai Singles at the club on Saturday 3rd August. Just as well it was a 10am start and Arne had been able to sweep most of the ice off the seats.
Still it turned out to be a fabulous day weather wise, with snow on the Tararua Ranges looking magnificent, and for most of the players, a rewarding day too. After the first round the six winners went into the round 2 draw for the Classic, the six second placed into the Classic Plate draw and the third place getters into the Consolation draw.
After the second round the bottom nine players made their exit while the top nine played off in the three finals matches.
The final results were:
- The Classic: 1st Michael Heather, 2nd Iraia Peni and 3rd Bronwyn McMahon
- Classic Plate: 1st Erica Whittaker, 2nd Pat Brown and 3rd Dave Bond
- Consolation: 1st Les Galloway, 2nd Wayne Judd and 3rd Jan Lilico
New club member Michael Heather played great bowls to win all three of his games; four of the five women figured in the placing (with Liz who played great bowls for two games the only one to miss out); while our only visitor Greg Oldridge really enjoyed the format and wished it was played more often. It is now only regularly played by the NZPBA at their indoor events having been overtaken by Bowls3Five in Bowls NZ events.
The snowy backdrop saw a number of players taking photos. In all a great day. Many thanks to our six markers Paul, Ralda, John, Margaret, Irene and Bruce and to Adriana Wilton for her generous sponsorship and branded umbrella.
