At the completion of three days, South Canterbury charges Sean O’Neill, Barrie Andrews, Tom Taiaroa and Ricky Ross completed a come from behind victory at the 2022 West End Classic, taking them to an unprecedented fourth title since its inception in 2000.

Sitting second overnight after day two, O’Neill and Co required a good showing on the greens on Sunday, eventually combining to register four wins, proving just enough to tip the leaders heading into the final round. A loss in the triples for Andrews, Taiaroa and Ross meant O’Neill had to win his singles and the Dunedin line-up of Terry Scott, Bob McAuley, Ross Stevens and Dave Archer were required to lose both of their final fixtures. As the dust settled, that’s exactly what happened, with O’Neill romping home in his singles to secure the silverware and winners’ cheque of $5000.

Their win adds to their previous victories in 2015, 2016 and 2018 – on all three occasions joined by Ken Feathers, this year replaced by South Canterbury regional intercentre representative Ross, who enjoyed an impressive debut showing for the champion side.

In other results, day two tournament leaders Graeme Hislop, Sandy McNoe, Neville Twaddle and Blair Thompson of South Otago were unable to continue their fine form on the final day, registering only two wins to drop back to fourth, opening the way for local composite Dean Harper, Leo Leonard, Sam Morton and Dave McClelland to secure third with an unbeaten run of results on Sunday, amassing six wins. Despite Harper and Co’s late dash to the finish, the quartet were unable to claw back the superior deficit held by Scott’s line-up, with Scott closing out the runner-up spot on the podium.

Recognised this year as an official Bowls New Zealand Summer of Bowls event, 16 high quality teams took to the green over three days to contest 15 rounds. Each day saw teams play varying disciplines, with fours taking place on Friday, pairs on Saturday and triples and singles on Sunday.

Tournament organiser Shayne Chisnall, who this year took over the running of the tournament, thanked fellow committee members, volunteers, sponsors and everyone involved in making the event what it is.

“It’s a massive team effort and we’re thankful to all of our sponsors, volunteers and of course, the players for their continued support in making sure the Classic continues to be a great three-days.

“There’s some quality bowls on display, the camaraderie is brilliant and the games are all played in good, competitive spirit – that’s all we can ask and we can’t wait to do it all again next year.”

The West End Classic will return to the Summer of Bowls programme in 2023.

RESULTS AT A GLANCE

2022 West End Classic, Timaru

Champions

Sean O’Neill, Barrie Andrews, Tom Taiaroa, Ricky Ross (PIC Insurance) – 132pts

Runner-ups

Terry Scott, Bob McAuley, Dave Archer, Ross Stevens (J Mac Joinery) – 126pts, +73

Third

Dean Harper, Leo Leonard, Sam Morton, Dave McClelland (XCM Sports Clothes) -126pts, +42

Fourth

Graeme Hislop, Sandy McNoe, Neville Twaddle, Blair Thompson (Prebble Seeds Ltd) – 114pts