A Paritutu team skipped by the irrepressible Darren Goodin has won the New Zealand men’s champion-of-champions fours bowls title.
Goodin combined with Nathan Goodin (no relation), Rodger Hassall and Adam Collins to win the final of the event which was held at the indoor complex in Hastings on Sunday evening.
In a thrilling finale, the Paritutu side defeated a Martinborough quartet skipped by Garry Muriwai 18-17.
The national finals brought together the various provincial champions with sides required to win three matches from four during Friday and Saturday’s qualifying rounds. In the men’s section, seven teams achieved that feat, with Goodin’s side squeaking home 12-10 over Alex Reed (Pt Chevalier) in the quarterfinals on Sunday morning. In the semifinals, against Barrie Andrews (West End, Timaru), Paritutu prevailed 18-8, which set up the decider with Muriwai’s side, which included Hayden Frew, Scott MacKenzie and Mark O’Brien.
Disaster struck the Paritutu side when they dropped a seven on end six. And after 11 of the 15 ends, things looked doubtful, with Muriwai in front 14-8.
But the Paritutu side calmly drew five sides on each of the next two ends to go in front by four. Muriwai pulled one back on the penultimate head and Frew then drew two beauties on the last end.
However, 19-year-old Nathan Goodin drew a toucher. Muriwai, with his first bowl, converted the head to lie two, but was marginally wide with his last delivery. That meant Goodin – who showed during the event the rest of the country what Taranaki folk have known for many years – had the luxury of not having to play his last bowl.
“It’s been a great day,” was Goodin’s succinct conclusion of the event.
It was a genuine team effort. Nathan Goodin stuck to the task at lead, while Darren Goodin’s weight control was of international class.
Collins, who continues to maintain dual membership with his native Oakura, was also a standout performer during the weekend. Hassall also produced his best bowls for some time in his lengthy career, which while dogged by numerous runner-ups, does include a double Taranaki gold star, the Dominion fours plus the latest success.
In the women’s event, Heather Johns’ Paritutu qualified but was eliminated in the opening round of post section by Lisa Dickson (Takapuna), who went on to claim the title.
Earlier in the month, Taranaki players were unplaced in the other disciplines. Dean Elgar (West End) did the best qualifying in the men’s singles before bowing in the second round of post section. Susan Cottam (West End) missed qualifying in the women’s singles, as did both triples teams – Hamish Kape (Paritutu) and Kristin Stampa (Hawera Park).
Taranaki were not represented in the pairs, which was held in Dunedin.