Tolaga Bay Bowling Club certainly isn't the centre of the East Cape community as it was on Opening Day in the 1930's (picture above), but the annual two day triples event held last month is still a wonderful heartland occasion.

The great and the worthy enjoy the corporate box at Tolaga Bay

Sponsored by Heritage Life Te Wiremu House, the tournament attracted an excellent entry including teams from the Gisborne City clubs as well as bowlers from Ohope, Te Karaka and Wairoa.

Steady rain delayed the start on both Saturday and Sunday mornings but when the weather cleared, and after a band of local club members formed an effective 'squeegee brigade' clearing the green of surface water,  play was able to get underway each morning.

Saturday saw four games of ten ends with a ninety minute time limit - and the results determined which of the three divisions each team would play in on the Sunday.  Sunday concluded the tournament with another 4 games.

Division One winners were Mark Bain and Marilyn Knowles from the Poverty Bay Bowling Club, ably assisted by Tolaga Bay's John "Hone" Burema, one of a number of new members the local club has attracted this season.

Runners-up were locals Joanne Atkins, new member Ben Elkington, and Mike Namana. 

Division One Winners (from right) Marilyn Knowles, Mark Bain, Hone Burema with the Sponsor's Representatives Club President Sharon Olsen and Jackie Horsfall

Division Two was an all Te Karaka Bowling Club affair with Arthur and Janet Baty and Diane Murray taking out first place.  Andy and Del Tamanui and Willie Murray were runners-up.

Wairoa's Peter Robinson teamed up with Gisborne Bowling Club's Mark Walker and Kahu Kerekere and found themselves in Division Three after day one but played better bowls on Sunday to win the division. Regular visitors to the Tolaga Bay club Dave and Bobbie Beattie with daughter Tanya Harrison, also from the Gisborne club, finished runners-up.

All players were treated to the usual tremendous East Cape hospitality over the two days - including breakfast, morning and afternoon teas, lunch and dinner.

Players were also impressed with the condition of the green which has been the result of many hours of great work and dedication by the club's greenkeeper Chas Henry.

The Tolaga Bay club will celebrate it's Centennial in 2022 and arrangements are already under way to mark this momentous occasion.