Written by Stu Piddington for Timaru Herald
South Canterbury men’s bowlers made it two from two at the National Club Championships in Dunedin taking out the pairs.
West End’s Scott Fisher and Gary Ford cruised past the Northland pair of Gordon Bond and Dean McMurchy in the final, winning 20-9.
Fisher and Ford’s efforts matched that of Kia Toa’s Sean O’Neill, who took out the national singles title on Friday.
In the final the West End pair shot out to a 8-2 lead after six ends and were never really troubled.
They then scored nine shots over the 9th and 10th ends and the game was called off two ends before the scheduled finish.
Ford said it was a brilliant result.
“We were over the moon. Scott played exceptionally well at lead.”
Ford said their toughest game was actually their very first one in pool play.
“Our first game against Ashton from Wellington ended 9-all and we had to play and extra end and got through 10-9.”
Escaping the bitter 9-degree weather and flooded greens, the tournament was taken indoors to Dunedin’s saving grace, the Westpac Indoor Stadium, for all post section play.
Ford said moving indoors didn’t interrupt their rhythm.
“We were just playing well.”
In post section play, the West End duo had a tight win over Johnsonville’s Rob Ashton and Brent Stubbins 10-9 to go on.
They then had a convincing 13-6 over Forbury Park’s Elliot Mason and Mike Bracegirdle in the semi.
âFord said it was his second national title having won the fours with is Oamaru club a few years back.
Fisher had also been a national champion before when he Mata Frankum won the mixed title in 2015.
Kia Toa’s Dinga Bell, Des Shea and Lachie Barnes are underway in the triples as they try to keep South Canterbury clubs’ superb run going.
Ford will be back on the green on Wednesday with the West End four, including Barrie Andrews, Don Johnstone and youngster Tom Taiaroa.
On Friday Kia Toa’s O’Neill had a tough battle with Johnston Park’s Steven Love at the Taieri Bowling Club in the final.
They were tied 16-all on the 17th end when O’Neill delivered a killer blow with three shots.
The former Black Jack then grabbed two singles on the next two ends to win 21-16.
The National Club Championship start each year at centre level in the singles, pairs, triples and fours, in a champion of champions format.
Bowls South Canterbury chairman Howard Smith was delighted with the results.
“I’m thrilled, the results have been unbelievable.
“Mata and Scott also made the semis of the mixed pairs, showing just how good South Canterbury clubs are going.”
Smith said they would easily be the top centre there at the moment.
“We also still have the triples and fours to go, it could get even better.
“The results have to be good for bowls in South Canterbury, producing national champions is not easy.”
