In just a matter of weeks, Central Otago will once again play host to the Summerset National Fours and Mixed Pairs - with entries reflecting the best level of participation in at least a
decade.
Initially hosted by Central Otago in February/March 2021, the event was disrupted by COVID-19, resulting in the finals being played with minimum people present and spectators
having to watch on the other side of the fence.
As the pandemic continued to rage on in the ensuing months and years, Taranaki was set to host the fours and mixed pairs disciplines in 2022, but due to widespread infection
throughout the country, neither event went ahead.
Now, with the country learning to live with COVID, the show must go on and Central Otago is looking forward to accommodating more than 700 bowlers, as they descend to the
Alexandra HQ and supporting greens in the coming weeks.
In the men’s action, 120 combinations will line-up - up from 104 entries last time around, while the women’s field will see 67 teams vying for the title - an increase of nine teams on
the number of entries in 2021.
In addition, the mixed pairs continues to attract a high calibre of entries, with 230 pairings taking to the greens early next month. This number reflects a jump from 180 entries
scheduled to play in Taranaki, and is up by 28 on the level of participation that took part in Central Otago in 2021.
Commenting on the overall entries, Bowls New Zealand chief executive Mark Cameron was delighted to see such a high level of participation across the field.
“Central Otago are brilliant hosts and we wanted to give them the opportunity to lay it all on again, hopefully this time with no disruptions.
While the bowls are important, many will also use these events as a great chance to get out and see some of the stunning sights that the region has to offer - and no doubt sample the fine wines and cheese rolls that always seem to be available,” Cameron said.
“We’re really looking forward to what we know will be another fantastic Summerset Nationals.”
The 2023 Summerset National Fours and Mixed Pairs will take place in Central Otago from Thursday 23 February to Thursday 2 March.
-Sam Morton
