It is safe to say New Plymouth put on a Nationals to remember; the weather, hospitality and success stories all amounted to one exceptional week.
For some bowlers, it was particularly exceptional.
Poverty Bay masters, Warren Gibb and Lois Lamont, reached two finals during the week that resulted in a silver for the pairs and a gold for the fours. They were jointly awarded the Rayner Family Trophy for Masters Player of the Tournament.
There were a few standout players in the open event, but no one could trump the stellar efforts of Nathan Trowell. He started the week with a semi final in the singles and quickly followed it up by winning gold in the pairs. While his run in the triples was cut short at the last 16, Nathan was able to once again claim gold, this time in the fours. Nathan’s extraordinary performance earned him the Robertson Trophy for Player of the Tournament. The fact that he is an 18 year old attending his second National Championships only makes this feat all the more impressive.
The Patron’s Cup has been shared between Tauranga, Ashburton and Waikato since 2016, but this year it was the local efforts of North Taranaki that sees the hosts awarded with the cup. They placed in five of the eight national events, including a first in the Open Triples, and had a scattering of players across the quarter finals.
Congratulations and all the best for the rest of the 2023 season!