Over the past few years, Tauranga and Poverty Bay have seen both the quantity and quality of their junior bowlers go from strength to strength. It is the support from these centres and the commitment from the players that is the backbone of their success, and it was evident in today's results.
Poverty Bay's Kayla Trowell and Rachael Rickard had big shoes to fill as they followed in the footsteps of Nathan Trowell and Matthew Foster. They each gave an inspired effort and reached the semi-final; just dipping out to Tauranga juniors, Hunter Reid and Sarah Adlam.
The all-Tauranga final got off to an even start, but it was Hunter who pulled away in the second half of the game. The win comes just a few weeks after his victory in the North Island Secondary School Singles. Hunter appeared to be in dominant form throughout the day, with only his semi-final going down to the wire. In his winning speech, Hunter thanked Sarah for a good final, and made special note of his coaches, Alison and Roger.
The plate event was won by Hutt Valley's Jacob Warrington, who was only one point shy of qualifying. He came back stronger in the afternoon to win four games on the trot.
Congratulations to all competitors, placegetters, and particularly Hunter Reid, on a terrific day of bowls.