Southland's father-son combination of Gary and Graham Low have been teaming up for decades, sharing in many successes along the way; but hitting the never-seen-before trifecta in the South Island Championships has got to be one for the highlights reel.
Gary and Graham clinched the South Island Pairs title on Saturday with a pressure last bowl on an extra end. It made for an exciting finish against Upper Hutt opponents, James Sullivan and Emma Ludeman, who had clawed their way back into a winning position. This was the third time Gary and Graham have won the Pairs event, and Gary was awarded his Gold Star.
On Sunday, they were joined by Warwick Gray and Jan Low in the Fours, the same team who won in 2017. They met Ashburton's Michael Lawson, Ken Mackenzie, Rowena Mackenzie and Stephen Preddy in the final. Michael, Ken, and Stephen are the 2010 and 2016 South Island Triples champions, so it came as no surprise that the final was a tight one. The score was locked at 7-7 after 8 ends, however Gary's team packed the head with their yellow bowls to dominate the end and claim the Fours title.
Gary, Graham, and Jan Low were the pre-tournament favourites heading into the South Island Championships on Monday, and despite having two big days beforehand, they delivered. They defeated fellow Southland bowlers John Perry, Alan Berrigan and Shawn Perry in the final. The win adds to their already impressive collection, including (but not limited to) their 2014 South Island Triples title, and their 2011 and 2021 National Triples. It also gave Jan Low her Gold Star.
Player of the Tournament was, without question, awarded to Gary and Graham Low. It is worth noting that they are also two of the four players who won Player of the Tournament at the Nationals just last year.
What a remarkable weekend for Southland Centre. Congratulations to all place getters and all the best to those travelling to the National Championships later this week.