The inaugural Interprovincial format was played last weekend, with plenty of indoor bowls action happening around the country. Wellington hosted divisions one through to three, with players describing the set up as ‘awesome’, and likening it to a ‘nationals vibe.’
Following the Friday night session, all six teams in Division One were within seven points of each other, however, Waikato’s impressive 33 point round on Saturday evening skyrocketed them into first place with a lead that would be hard to catch. All eight Waikato players finished in the top 20 ranked individuals, and the reigning Welch champions will hold the title for another year. Otago also dominated the leaderboard, with six players making the top 20. Nick Sinclair gave the best performance of all though, winning 11½ of his 15 games. He was awarded The Edgar Trophy for Player of the Tournament.
Division Two was a close contest between Auckland and Southland from start to finish, with Auckland ultimately taking the cake by just half a point. Both districts will be promoted to Division One next year. A mighty effort of 13 wins from 15 games saw Nathan Trowell as the top individual.
There’s only one Bruce Meyer, and it was he who topped the individual rankings for Division Three with 12 wins from 15 games. Manawatu also claimed first place overall, with their dominant singles rounds appearing to be the difference. They will climb to Division Two alongside Tauranga next year.
Central Otago won eight from ten fours games to pave their path to victory in Division Four, and Mat Begg contributed largely with his 13 wins. No doubt they will enjoy the jump to Division Three. Hawkes Bay and Bay of Plenty, winners of Division Four Central and North respectively, will face off later this year to determine who will earn promotion.
Congratulations to all Districts for taking part in this exciting new format.
𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗔𝗧 𝗔 𝗚𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘:
𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭 – 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲
Waikato
Otago
Hutt Valley
Ashburton
Auckland
Southland
𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮
North Taranaki
Counties
Upper Hutt Valley
Poverty Bay East Coast
Manawatu
Tauranga
𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟯
Canterbury
Taranaki
North Wellington
Northland
Central Otago
Bay of Plenty or Hawkes Bay (TBC)
𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟰 (𝗔𝗟𝗟)
Nelson
Timaru South Canterbury
Golden Bay-Motueka
South Otago
Marlborough
Buller
North Otago
Bush Ruahine
Wairarapa
Horowhenua
Wanganui
Thames Valley
North Harbour
King Country
Bay of Plenty or Hawkes Bay (TBC)