Today saw a fantastic round robin event, brilliantly run by NZIB and Wairarapa.
It became clear early on that the field would be cut throat. Players sitting on the bottom half of the leaderboard were still capable of shaking things up and having an impact on the final results.
After five rounds Tim Veale lead the way with four wins and a draw from five games, and Steve Fisher, Daniel French and Kyle Waldron were close behind on four wins.
The sixth round produced big match ups. Veale faced French in a crucial game and continued his undefeated streak. Fisher also dropped down after a loss to Les Heywood, but Waldron toppled Ken Mackenzie to hold second place, this time on his own.
Spectators were in for a treat for round seven. The two bowlers in contention for the title were up against each other. As you’d expect, Tim Veale and Kyle Waldron were in superb form, and they showcased this right from the start.
The game did not disappoint in any way. Shots were changing, scores were locked, and the standard was high. Kyle’s consistency and well-timed bowls saw him stretch to five points in front with just two ends to play.
Tim, giving himself every chance, responded with a three on the 14th end. Two points difference kept everyone on the edge of their seats for the final end, particularly when Tim held two for the draw, which would have earned him the overall victory.
Kyle had other ideas though, nailing his shot under pressure to cut Tim back to one. An incredible win for the North Island team’s newest player.
Kyle will be back tomorrow with Anjela Frost to have a crack at the NZ Mixed Pairs title.
Congratulations Kyle and good luck to all players tomorrow.
Final results:
1st - Kyle Waldron, NW
2nd - Tim Veale, MN
3rd - Daniel French, OT
4th - Steve Fisher, AK
5th - Les Heywood, WG
6th - Nathan Trowell, PB
7th - Ken Mackenzie, AS
8th - Brian Booker, MR