Long wait proves worthwhile

PETER JONES

Kevan Greenwood admits, “it’s been a long time between drinks”.

In 1998 the Renwick lawn bowler was part of a Marlborough quartet that won the blue riband prize of New Zealand bowls, the national fours title.

Now, a quarter of a century later, he has done it again.

This time Kevan was part of a composite crew who negotiated their way through a field of 120 combinations to reach the final of the Summerset National Fours at the Alexandra Bowling Club, and win it.

Kevan, who filled the unfamiliar lead’s role, skip Rodney Greaney (Allenton) alongside Adrian Robins (Waimate) and Paul Matheson (Halswell/Renwick), played well above themselves in the title decider, overcoming Raika Gregory (Ngaruwahaia), Robert Bennett (Victoria), plus the father/ son combination of David Budge (North East Valley) and Kelvin Budge (Patearoa).

In the early stages of the final, it appeared Greaney’s four would run away with it, leading 10-1 at one stage. However, in slow but steady fashion, the Gregory-led side edged its way back, scoring five on the 15th end to bring them within two at 16-14.

The consistency of Greaney’s team finally told though as they produced a three on the 16th end and then enough on the 17th and 18th to take a 22-14 triumph in sunny but blustery conditions at the Alexandra club.

Earlier, in the semifinals, the Greaney team defeated Craig Merrilees’ side 16-13, while Gregory’s team accounted for Stephen Sanders’ side 22-7.

Kevan described the win as “very, very pleasing”.

“Some people are lucky enough to get one [title], I’m very stoked to have two now.

“It has certainly been a long time between drinks though”.

Kevan, who has been bowling for 48 seasons, said he had come close to a second title previously, picking up three third placings.

“I have been in the zone,” he said, “but to get across the line again is really bloody tremendous.”

Amid such a large draw, which included most of the country’s top bowlers, Kevan’s combo were well down the list of favourites, but never dropped a game on their way to the title.

“We are a team that is noted but we were certainly not expected to win … the TAB odds showed that fairly early on, we started at 82-1.

“We would have been expected to qualify and probably go a couple of rounds deep, but not all the way.”

He puts the composite four’s success down to experience.

“The three guys I played with have also had a wealth of experience. When you get deep into the tournament like that it is just a matter of hanging in and knowing what is important … look after the lead if you have got a lead, that sort of stuff.

“Some of the young boys get a bit hot and fiery and think they can blow you off the paddock, and they certainly have a go,” he said with a chuckle.

“You need a wee bit of luck but most of the luck we got we created ourselves by being positive and having a go.”

The 68-year-old, who described himself as “a young bugger in terms of the game”, will join forces with his three victorious team mates for a trip to the nationals in Taranaki next year.

“We want to try and defend [the title]. Not many teams have done back-to-backs in the history of the game so we will certainly be there … and I bet you our odds won’t be as long on the TAB next time around.” There was also Marlborough interest in the women’s fours, where the Valerie Symes-skipped four of Glenda Bishop, Kiri Bond and Colleen Robbins finished third equal after bowing out to eventual winners Val Smith, Deb White,

Ashleigh Jeffcoat and Kimberley Hemingway.

Kevan said Marlborough bowlers continued to punch above their weight.

“Maurice [Symes] and Craig [Macdonell] won the fours the last time it was played in Alexandra. Then it was cancelled because of Covid last year and this time we get back to Central and another Marlburian picks up another title.

“Val [Symes] team had three Marlborough bowlers in it, so we are out there flying the flag again, which is great news for a small area like us.”