Upshot by Bowls NZ

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

THE OFFICIAL BOWLS NZ eMAGAZINE issn 2230-2085

SUCCESS

Black Jacks Return in Silver and Bronze

Kiwi Duo Succeed in Cyprus

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ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

this

issue

FROM THE

ceo

Black Jacks Return in Silver and Bronze

Welcome to the December issue of Upshot, the official e-magazine of Bowls New Zealand. Isn’t it remarkable how fast this year has gone and how much success our sport has had in this time? Our international players have succeeded remarkably on the international stage, first at the World Champion of Champions Singles and then again at the 2012 World Bowls Championships. Sandra and Pete represented our country well with their performances both on and off the green and the Black Jacks followed this up in Adelaide. My congratulations to all of the players who have represented our country this year, the values you hold and performances you give make New Zealand very proud. The recent National Secondary Schools continue this success as youth come through the pathway and work towards selection in the Under 18 Trans Tasman which will be held at Howick Bowling Club next year. Now with five boys and five girls in this team the need for youth within the sport is even greater. The last two months have also seen the National Have a Go day, proudly supported by Nescafé, as well as Mates in Bowls and Christmas Bowls being held at various clubs around the country. I hope

your programmes and preparation for the rest of the season have gone well. Next season will mark Bowls New Zealand’s Centennial celebrations, so hold the dates of 7 and 8 September 2013 for our Centennial Conference and a Hall of Fame diner to celebrate the occasion. I urge you to nominate those worthy for the Hall of Fame, all information can be found on our website. The conference will be held at Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, Auckland and will include guest speaker Belinda Moore from Strategic Membership Solutions. Over the Christmas period we will hold our most prestigious bowling event, the Hyundai National Open Championships which will be held in Taranaki. To all those competing in this event I wish you the best of luck and to those not competing, I encourage you to take some time out of your busy schedules to come and join us as a spectator at this spectacular event. Finally the national office will be closed from 5pm 21 December until 9am 7 January. From everyone at Bowls New Zealand we wish you a fantastic Christmas break with your friends and family. Happy Bowling!

4-5

Surprise in Singles, Pairs Defend Titles

Southland Buck the Trend

Whole of Sport Plan – What Does It Mean?

Bowls in New Zealand: Our Values

Blind Bowls: Strang Looks on the Bright Side of Defeat

Kiwi Duo Succeed in Cyprus

14-15

Club Scene

National Office Closing Dates

Centennial Hall of Fame

Conference & Dinner 16

Hong Kong International Bowls Classic 16 Vintellect Survey Winner

Takapuna RSA Celebrates their Centenary

Nescafé Prize Winner 17

MIB Rolls into Epsom 17

Southland Bowlers Brave the Weather

Blind Bowls Champions Found at Hillcrest 17

Focus on Greenkeeping

Coaching is the Key

Focus on Umpiring

What’s Happening in the Office

Hall of Fame: Brian Guy

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

BLACK JACKS RETURN IN SILVER AND BRONZE Adorned in silver and bronze medals the Black Jacks touched down in Auckland on 10 December after two weeks of hefty competition at the World Bowls Championships in Adelaide. While laying their souls and best bowls on the greens of Adelaide they certainly lived up to their values of; respect, pride and honesty. One cannot question the impressive performances which were displayed leaving the New Zealand team with five medals. The men’s pairs and fours and the women’s fours were unlucky not to advance to post section play. The pairs had a slow start

Men’s fours team at the head

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

which cost them in the end. Despite three strong wins in the concluding rounds the men’s fours relied on England to beat Wales to advance into post section. However, fate did not fall their way and they didn’t have the opportunity to defend their World Title. The women’s quartet of Edwards, Boyd, Khan and White suffered a shock one shot loss in their final section game denying them entry into post section play. Gutsy performances were on shown in the semis and finals as the Black Jacks were narrowly out played in their gold medal games. Val Smith’s final against Karen

Murphy was a game of single shots as they kept each other in check throughout the game. It came down to the wire as Smith fought back to close the gap but in the end the reigning World Champion surrendered her title to Murphy 21-17. Back to back wins were not on the cards for Smith in the women’s pairs either as her and team mate Jo Edwards claimed the silver medal. The gold came down to a single shot which could have given the Kiwi’s the four they needed to force an extra end, but it went just past its mark to leave the Australians to take the victory 16-12.

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

The fresh faced triples team of Mandy Boyd and Lisa White coupled with the experience of Jan Khan made a fierce combination as they made the gold medal playoff. Mandy earned her stripes in the game proving to all watching why she is hailed as ‘the next Jo Edwards’. The game was close locked at 7-7 after the first half however the Australian contingent proved their worth on the Lockleys Greens to pull away in the second part of the game to secure a 21-9 win. The men’s triples combination of Ali Forsyth, Matt Gallop and Tony Grantham lost out on a nail bitting game against the Australian contingent in the semi finals, leaving them with a bronze medal. The men’s singles semi final between Shannon McIlroy and Australia’s Leif Selby was a game fit for a world final with spectators hanging off their seats for much of the game. Selby took an early lead but McIlroy came back fighting on Selby’s crucial ends to bring the game to a close 21-19 finish. Commentators dubbed it “one of the most gripping games of the championships.” The Black Jacks will have an opportunity to take on Australia again in the 2013 Trans Tasman which will be held in Auckland in March. From there the 2013-2016 World Bowls Series will be held in Christchurch, ending with the World Bowls Championships in 2016. It will be a busy couple of years for bowls in New Zealand.

Mandy Boyd in the triples final

Final Results: Men’s Singles: Bronze Men’s Pairs: Didn’t qualify for post section Men’s Triples: Bronze Men’s Fours: Didn’t qualify for post section Women’s Singles: Silver Women’s Pairs: Silver Women’s Triples: Silver Women’s Fours: Didn’t qualify for post section

Shannon in his semi final

Matt’s patriotic hair

Jan Khan

Women’s pairs Jo Edwards and Val Smith

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ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

SURPRISE IN SINGLES PAIRS DEFEND TITLES There were surprises in the singles at this year’s National Secondary School Championships, as the national title winners outshone the favoured and earned themselves a place at the top of the podium. While in the pairs, the defending champions retained their hard-won titles with some sublime ends. Relative newcomer Cameron Bailey (Shirley Boys High School) took the gold, 1413, in the boys singles from Talor Duncan (Tauranga Boys College), after Duncan shot and missed with a drive on the final end. Bailey’s victory came on the back of a large-margin win over Chase Bishop (Marlborough Boys High), 20-7, in the semi-final; while Duncan ousted the muchfavoured and previously unbeaten Taradale High School bowler Richard Hocking, 1513, in a stunning come-back match that went down to the wire. Also favoured to defend her title,

Nicole Toomey (St Mary’s College) was overcome with seeming ease by Savanna Lauder (Whangarei Girls High School) in the semi-final, 8-20, and met Howick College student Siobhan Archer in the final. A dominant force on the Hamilton City Bowling Club greens, Archer drew time and time again to the jack to beat Savanna Lauder (Whangarei Girls High School) 14-7 in the final, on the back of a coolyconfident semi-final win over Katelyn Inch (St Margarets College), 13-10. The semi-finals and finals of the pairs were equally intense, but came out on the side of the defending champions in both boys and girls competitions. Tarani Paul (s) and Sadie Sieglaar (St Dominics College) looked to have twice the confidence and twice the experience as the last time they graced the top of the podium, wide-eyed and chuckling with delight. Paul and Sieglaar came up against Teaghan Mower (s) and Stephanie Mower (Ellesmere

Jacobi Kahu-Morris and Callum Horwell, Tarani Paul and Sadie Sieglaar – Pairs Winners.

College) and finished with a golden touch, 13-6. Boys pairs maestros Jacobi Kohu-Morris (s) and Callum Horwell (Logan Park High School) edged past Stefan McCartain (s) and Nathan Arlidge (Tauranga Boys High School), 9-8, to keep a solid grip on the title for the second year in a row. In the finals of the Plate event, Tawa College came out on top with both the boys and girls titles going to students Rosie Tate and Lachlan Gordon. Adding more weight to their own High School’s medal haul, Tayla Hohaia (s) and Sarah Wilson (Logan Park High School) beat Jessica Hall (s) and Latisha Tuia (Aotea College), 15-2, for the girls pairs Plate. In the boys pairs, Kii Small (s) and Zane Beckett (Kaitaia College) bundled out Damien Kitto (s) and Samuel Wilson (Waitaki Boys High School), 11-6, with more than a few laughs had on their lively rink.

Singles Winners Cameron Bailey and Siobhan Archer.

Results Championship Finals l Girls Singles: Siobhan Archer (Howick College) bt Savanna Lauder (Whangarei Girls High School), 14-7. l Boys Singles: Cameron Bailey (Shirley Boys High School) bt Talor Duncan (Tauranga Boys College), 14-13. l Girls Pairs: Tarani Paul (s), Sadie Sieglaar (St Dominics College) bt Teaghan Mower (s), Stephanie Mower (Ellesmere College), 13-6. l Boys Pairs: Jacobi Kahu-Morris (s), Callum Horwell (Logan Park High School) bt Stefan McCartain (s), Nathan Arlidge (Tauranga Boys High School), 9-8.

Plate Finals l Girls Singles: Rosie Tate (Tawa College) bt Nicole Duncan (St Kevins College), 14-13. l Boys Singles: Lachlan Gordon (Tawa College) bt Dean Drummond (Hastings Boys High), 16-6. l Girls Pairs: Tayla Hohaia (s), Sarah Wilson (Logan Park High School) bt Jessica Hall (s), Latisha Tuia (Aotea College), 15-2. l Boys Pairs: Kii Small (s), Zane Beckett (Kaitaia College) bt Damien Kitto (s), Samuel Wilson (Waitaki Boys High School), 11-6.

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ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

SOUTHLAND BUCK THE TREND With declining membership, talk of a dying sport and perception of bowls being reserved for ‘just older people’ Bowls Southland Centre Manager Karen Ralston thought it was about time that something changed. Wanting to reverse the trend and break down the stereotypes which surrounded bowls, Bowls Southland launched their ‘Student Club’. The programme ran for four weeks during November and drew in students from Secondary Schools to all have a go at bowls. “The objective was to increase the number of student bowlers,” says Karen “faced with a situation of declining membership we wanted to bring in young bowlers.” Identifying the common barriers to youth becoming involved in sport such as high costs, poor access to facilities and unsafe environments Bowls Southland realised the major advantage which bowls has in providing social sport. “Bowls is low cost, its fun and the big thing we are selling is that it can increase self esteem . . . they can achieve something so quickly once they know about the bias and the length” says Karen. “Seeing them when they hit the jack or drive and hit everything out of the way, they get so excited it’s great to watch.” The programme has been shown a huge level of support within the Southland community with Northend Bowling Club offering up their greens to the students each week and waiving their fees. ILT Foundation has also got behind the programme as well as Invercargill Active Communities who donated $5000 to cover the cost of purchasing bowls. “The stars were aligned” beams Karen as she talks of the success the programme

has had so far. The Student Club is booming with schools already registering their interest for next year’s season which will start on 8 February. The only change will be taking out the BBQ at the end of play. “They weren’t interested in the BBQ! They wanted to play instead; they really enjoyed the competition and the coaching.” So much so that some have requested the coaching expertise of Barry Cracknell (Bowls Southland Development Officer) over the Christmas period as well!

For those students who do become hooked there is a ‘Youth Bowlers Club’ within Northend Bowling Club which will cater for them. A year’s membership is just $10 with Bowls Southland and Northend both focussing on the long term picture hoping these students will go on to become full playing members in the future. In the mean time they have a programme which youth are excited about and is changing the future of bowls. “We are delighted with it! It is great for the future of the sport.”

Students fill the green at Northend Bowling Club.

If you would like more information about the programme or would like any advice from Bowls Southland on starting your own Student Club then feel free to get in touch with Bowls Southland, phone: 03 214 4323, email: karen@bowlssouthland.co.nz

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

Whole of sport plan what does it mean? Bowls NZ has embarked on the process for developing a whole of sport plan. This is an opportunity for us to review the current state of the game including how we deliver the various formats. We have an opportunity to imagine what the ideal state of the game could be, think about how our game is structured and presented at all levels and the infrastructure that supports the game at club, regional and national level. What are the challenges we face in bowls? l We need to have alignment in the bowls community with our national, regional and club programmes l We need capable leadership and sufficient resources l We need to create new markets and participants l We need the sport of bowls to have a positive image in the community and media l We need to maintain the successful high performance programme of our national teams and squads l We need to understand how to best communicate to a diverse audience What is the Bowls NZ strategic framework? Our current strategic goals are to: l Promote and grow the game l Develop talent on and off the green l Produce world class environments l Strengthen the structure, culture and capability we have in the game l Build a stable platform so things can be sustained in the future

How are we going to put this in place? l We are reviewing the best practice and ideas that other sports codes have researched and adopted and take the best ideas and adapt them to the sport of bowls l Consult and collaborate with clubs, centres, regions and anyone who wishes to make a contribution l Work with advisory groups in key areas, like coaching to develop future plans and structures l Link all our planning to the values in our sport â&#x20AC;&#x201C; enjoy, grow, share, honour and success

What can you do right now and over the next few months? l Contact your Bowls NZ Community Development Officer, talk to them individually or set up a time to discuss with a group from your club or centre l Contact your Regional Service Centre with your feedback and thoughts l Attend meetings in your regions, give your feedback and thoughts on how our game can grow

What is the timeline for all of this to happen? l Over the next few months Bowls NZ will be gathering information in all sorts of formats from regional forums, centre and club meetings and surveys l Draft plans in place for feedback early next year l Additions and amendments to the plans towards the end of this season l Finalise and present a whole of sport plan to the 2013 AGM, launching the next 100 years

Our strategic plan influences the direction we are heading. We are not rewriting anything strategically, if anything, our current plan will guide us to our goals. The emphasis will be on building plans and capability in key areas like regional delivery, community bowls, coaching, officials, green keeping, volunteers, facilities and casual bowls.

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

For any further inquiries contact: Chris Wilson, National Participation and Development Manager chrisw@bowlsnz.co.nz

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ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

NO EXCEPTIONS

STRANG LOOKS ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF DEFEAT Bidwell, H. (2012). Strang looks on the bright side of defeat. The Dominion Post . It was typical of Phil Strang’s outlook on life that he immediately looked on the bright side of defeat in Saturday’s Park Avenue Bowling Club junior pairs. “I’ve got two more years in the juniors, so runner-up isn’t bad. I’ll get it one day,” Strang said. Strang had been vying to become the first disabled player to

win a club title at Park Avenue and had wanted to dedicate the win to his full-time carer, Alieta Vulu, who three years ago encouraged the tetraplegic to start playing bowls. Strang broke his neck in two places, and his back, after falling about 10 metres from a roof in 2007. “She asked me one Christmas to come down to the Taita Bowling Club for their Christmas party and to have a go,” he said. “I said: ‘Well, how am I going to get down on the green?’ But the greenkeeper got a board and put me down on the green on my electric chair and away I went. I took to it straight away. “Before I had my accident I used to play darts and got a few 180s, so I treated the jack like a triple-20 and went from there.” Strang now plays in a modified chair, which isn’t as hard on the grass as the electric one. The chair is also less rigid, allowing him to get down and deliver “just like a normal person”. Notions of normality are important to Strang. He played in the Wellington Open singles tournament, knowing the likelihood of success was probably remote. He lost all four of his matches, but wasn’t bothered. As a junior he was just happy to gain the experience and looks forward to a time when he might be in a position to turn the tables. “Nothing worries me,” he said. “I mow my own lawns, I do my cooking, I do my washing. There’s a few things I can’t get to, but my carer takes care of those and we just kind of work in together. “I’ve got no feeling from [my] nipple-line down, but I’ve got all my hand movements. People see me and tend to think I’m a para[plegic] and normally I tell them the only time I’m para is when I come out of the pub.” Strang is ambitious about his bowls and encouraged by talk that Hutt Valley might host a world disabled championship in the coming years. But the social aspect of the sport also has appeal. When he first had his accident, Strang felt somewhat isolated and without an outlet for his natural competitive streak. That’s why he feels indebted to Vulu for getting him out of the house and into a sport he can participate in. Photo by Craig Simcox from Fairfax NZ

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

KIWI DUO S Going into the World Champion of Champions Singles Sandra’s game plan was simple; “to win”, and she certainly did that! Sandra dropped only two games in her progression throughout the tournament which saw her claim the world title. Sandra’s win has made this a hat-trick for the New Zealand women with Jan Khan winning in 2010 and then Jo Edwards winning in 2011. However we cannot overlook the outstanding performance by fellow team mate Pete Hodson who claimed a bronze medal at the world event. We caught up with Sandra and Pete once they were back to see how their gold and bronze glory came to be.

Sandra Keith What was it like playing your first game outside of NZ? Was pretty good, I felt real comfortable and I picked the green real quick. How did you find adjusting to the conditions in Cyprus? My preparation was spot on and I didn’t have to adapt a lot which was good. What did you enjoy most about the competition? Meeting all the people and the friendliness of everything. You just felt real comfortable, everyone was there for the same reason. I didn’t feel any real pressure it felt just like going out to play another game. You said that winning your national title felt ‘unreal’ how does it feel to win this world title? Don’t think it’s sunk it yet! It’s amazing, something you’ve never dreamt of, I’m absolutely wrapped. What was your game plan moving through the competition? To take each game on its own, I always thought whoever won wouldn’t win all of their games so if I lost a couple

of games it wasn’t the end of the world. It was very challenging, the rinks were pretty hard so I was probably lucky in that respect and it just fell into place. The weather I thought may have been a problem with the heat so I had to take on a lot of water and had a wet rag round my neck for most games but I managed to get through it so that was alright. How does it feel to know that you are now a part of the hat-trick of NZ players who have won this title? It’s pretty awesome, to have your name up there with players like that. My name is something to be stuck on that trophy forever, so if I never get another one that’s alright. How did your family and club react to the news? Overwhelming that I had that much support from my family, my club and all of New Zealand. The club had a welcome home function for me when I got back. It was a big surprise, it was great! They bag piped me in and there were heaps of people, it took a bit to take it all in. The support has just been overwhelming, it’s been great.

Pictured left: World Champion of Champion Singles winner Sandra Keith.

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

UCCEED IN CYPRUS Pete Hodson What was it like playing your first game outside of NZ? I was a little apprehensive at first, not really knowing what was ahead, but once we had been through the opening ceremony everything settled down and it was time to get down to business. It didn’t help that my first opponent from Brazil was 15 minutes late for the first game. Everyone else had started on time, and here I was sitting on the bank waiting. Did your preparation pay off in adjusting to the Cyprus greens? The preparation couldn’t have gone better really, and for that I must thank the United Bowling Club in Nelson for the use of their top green. What was your game plan moving through the competition? With the greens being rather tricky, it was a matter of staying calm and obviously just keep getting bowls handy. It was a case of staying mentally strong as everyone around you self destructed. What did you enjoy most about the competition? Obviously the competition was very tough, but the way all the games were played and the spirit they were played in was very enjoyable. Do you have a best or favourite game from the competition? There are two games that stick out, the first was the game against Scotland (who was top of the pool at that stage). This was a tight game where the lead changed several times during the course, and the last pool game against Wales where I needed to win to be a show at topping the pool. What was it like to meet other bowlers from all over the world? Absolutely awesome. There are some great people out there in the big wide bowling world. What is it like knowing that you are among the best singles players in the world? I struggle a bit with people saying

that, but to be classed in that sort of category is overwhelming. How did it feel to be presented with your bronze medal at this prestigious event? It was an honour to stand on the podium with the medal around my neck, but to hear and sing the national anthem for Sandra’s victory was special. How did your family and club react to the news of your bronze medal? I think it was a relief for the family after sitting and watching the whole week, they would have to come into the category of nervous spectators. Getting back to the club was just fantastic, the welcome and response was and has been phenomenal. Pictured right: The four men’s medallists with Pete Hodson receiving his bronze medal

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

club scene National Office Closing Dates The National Office will be closed from 21 December at 5pm and will reopen on 7 January at 9am. From everyone at Bowls New Zealand we wish you a happy and safe Christmas and New Year and the best of luck to those competing in the Hyundai National Open Championships over this time.

Centennial Hall of Fame In next year’s centennial celebrations we would like to honour the key figures within the sport of bowls, both past and present. These may be the athletes, administrators or officials who’s dedication and passion has helped to shape bowls. Nominations can be put forward by individuals or clubs and all nomination forms can be found at http://www.bowlsnz.co.nz/bowls-nz/centennial/ Make sure to take this opportunity to honour those who contribute to our sport!

Conference and Dinner The Bowls New Zealand conference will be held on Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 September 2013. It will include workshops and an appearance by guest speaker Belinda Moore, a specialist in recruiting and retaining members. A Hall of Fame dinner will be held on the Saturday evening to celebrate those who are nominated and selected for the Hall of Fame. Registrations for both of these events will be on the website early in the New Year so keep your eyes peeled!

Hong Kong International Bowls Classic During November Shaun Scott, Blake Signal, Amy Brenton and Clare McCaul travelled to Hong Kong to take part in the Hong Kong International Bowls Classic. All four of the bowlers made it through to the third round in the singles against some tough international competition. Then taking to the green for the pairs Shaun and Blake made the playoffs while Amy and Clare narrowly missed out.

Vintellect Survey Winner After filling out Vintellect’s survey Terry Scott was the lucky winner of a case of wine. Community Development Officer Pete presented him with his prize. “I just wish to express my appreciation to Vintellect for the survey prize. It is much appreciated and I might say that the wines sent through are 1st class. I had a fine tasting session the other night!” said Terry.

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

T k p C

BOWLING CLUB C

Takapuna Bowling Club celebrated their centenary on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December with tournaments, open days and a cocktail party! Bowls NZ Board Member Matt Barber presented Takapuna President Liz Stephens with their plaque.

Congratulations to Titirangi Bowling Club who won Nescafé’s Have a Go Day promotion with their ‘touch of class’ photo, Titirangi will receive $500 thanks to Nescafé. Opunake Bowls Club was the winner of the prize draw and will also receive $500 for their club. A huge thank you to Nescafé for their support of our National Have a Go Day and for supplying 100 of our Have a Go clubs with Nescafé samples and giveaways!

For the past three weeks the team at Epsom Bowling Club and Bowls New Zealand have been running a Mates in Bowls league on a Sunday afternoon. George have also come on board to help out with promotion and giveaways and the result has been a roaring success despite the weather working against them.

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A little rain didn’t stop the SBS Sevens tournament. Bowlers braved the weather in their rain jackets as they bowled through the puddles and rain which pelted the greens. Congratulations to the division 1 winners Waikiwi and Makarewa Bowling Clubs and the division 2 winners Waikiwi and Northend Bowling Clubs who managed to take the win in the blustery conditions.

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Spectators were in awe of the talent at the 28th New Zealand Blind Lawn Bowling Association Championships held at Hillcrest Bowling Club. The competition was tough in all four divisions with a high standard of play as athletes tried to prove themselves worthy of the World Championship team which was named after the championships. You can see the winners and World Championship team on the Bowls NZ website.

Do you have stories which you would like to share? We would love to receive any stories you have about your club or its members which we can share with the bowling community. This could be a great initiative you have, an outstanding volunteer or a special occasion within your club.

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

The NESCAFÉ CAFÉ MENU Team were proud to support the HAVE-A-GO Day Events 2012 Clubs nationwide were provided with frothy coffee sample sachets, discount coupons, spot prizes, promotional material and the chance to win one of two $500 club donations by simply submitting an entry in to the NESCAFÉ CAFÉ MENU Photo Competition.

Congratulations to our winners b owling Clu Opunake B 00 Donation the $5 Winner of Prize Draw

Don’t forget to stock up your pantry with NESCAFÉ CAFÉ MENU for the festive season. The frothy coffee sachets are wonderful to have on hand for all those precious get togethers with family and friends.

Titirangi B

ling Club Winner of the $ 5 0 0D for the B est Photo onation Entry

Nescafé Café Menu. Gets You Together.

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

FOCUS ON GREENKEEPING Howard, D. (2012). Common Summer Diseases on Bowling Greens. New Zealand Turf Management Journal, 40-42. Identifying which disease is plaguing your green can often be difficult and depending on which stage it is at they can all look the same. Working through the table below with signs and symptoms will help you to identify what you are dealing with and allow you to get your green back to looking its best!

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

coaching is the key • Raising Awareness • Building Responsibility • Building Self Belief With the flurry of youth now taking up bowls, the Trans Tasman Under 18 team expanding and National Secondary Schools looking stronger than ever coaches are stepping up to the mark to take on these exciting times in youth bowls. One of these coaches is Nathaneal Lucas. Along with Christine Sibley, Nate was one of the Region 1 coaches for this year’s National Secondary School team. First taking up the coaching reins in his last year at school Nate’s first coaching job was training up a pair’s partner for the National Secondary Schools. “I needed a partner for National Secondary Schools so I coached a mate up and now he has a better delivery than me unfortunately!” says Nate. Years later Nate is back to where he started but this time the shoe is on the other foot, and it seems to fit. It was a rewarding weekend in Hamilton for Nate who thinks there’s nothing better than seeing the smile on someone’s face when they get a title. Region 1 claimed two title’s at this year’s Championships with Siobhan Archer taking the Girls Singles title and Tarani Paul and Sadie Sieglaar claiming the Girls Pairs title. For the former National Secondary School Champion he can see the potential the event holds in drawing more youth into the

sport. “There are a lot of serious bowlers and people with natural talent and this can encourage them to take it a bit more seriously. It can trigger something for them at this tournament which will encourage them to take it up. That’s what happened for me.” The beauty of Secondary Schools in Nate’s eyes is that those relatively unknown in the sport can “put up their hand on the national stage.” Having coaches on hand to help them through the championships is a valuable tool for these budding bowlers, showing them the value that coaches can hold to improving their game. “I always look for someone I can relate to” says Nate of his own coach selection “someone who knows your game and is going to take you to the next level.” And his magic tip for other coaches? “It’s the same as playing really; you’ve got to try things, challenge things and spend time on the green. The more you coach the better coach you are really.” There is little doubt that we will be seeing Nate on the bowling green’s in the future as he perfects the art of coaching hopefully bringing more people to their title wining dreams.

Nate (third in from right) with the Region 1 National Secondary School team.

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

FOCUS ON UMPIRING HELEN STALLARD MIXES IT WITH BEST IN THE THE WORLD Helen Stallard recently stretched her umpiring muscles at the pinnacle event in our sport, the World Bowls Championships. Travelling over in November Helen has spent two weeks umpiring the top level of bowls and getting some front row tickets to the best games of the Championships, although as she says “while you see a lot of bowls you see no game in particular.” Helen first took up umpiring in 2002 after some gentle encouragement from Marlene Castle who thought it would be a good idea for Helen who planned to attend the World Blind Bowls with her husband. What started as a simple course and no real desire to umpire at club or centre levels, it quickly turned into a passion which has seen her umpire at the highest level. “It now rules my life!” says Helen. World Bowls 2012 will be a welcome addition to her already long list of international experience which started with Asia Pacific’s in 2007. Since then Helen has umpired at World Bowls 2008, Eight Nations 2012 and the 2012 Commonwealth Games. “I enjoy meeting up with those I have met at other places and meeting new umpires. All Bowling Associations worldwide have the same issues . . . so it is great to have a chat to others about how they are dealing with the issues.” Completing application forms and gaining approval from Bowls NZ Helen was selected as one of 10 international ITO’s to take part in the 2012 World Bowls Championships. “The standards set by World Bowls are very high for these events and it is a real sense of achievement knowing you can mix it with the best in the World” said Helen. “Just being selected to go to the events is a real reward- I won’t be making it as a player but I can get to World events and be part of them as an umpire!!” Helen had the honour of marking the Women’s singles semi final between Karen Murphy from Australia and Natalie Melmore from England.

“I love marking! When you are so focused on the game everything else gets blocked out.” But her most exciting moment of the Championships was the honour of umpiring the Women’s Singles final. “I have also done the final of the Women’s Triples in 2008 in Christchurch but this time there was a New Zealander involved!!”

If you are interested in umpiring then you can sit Level 1 and Level 2 courses as well as the International Technical Official (Level 3) examination set by World Bowls, after which you will be eligible to umpire at international events.

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

New i30 from $34,490

THE ALL NEW i30 – WITH ENOUGH BELLS AND WHISTLES TO SATISFY THE MOST DEMANDING BOWLER There’s not only masses of legroom for your team and room in the boot for your bowling bags - there’s also enough styling to get your fellow bowlers talking about something other than your score! As always, Hyundai New Zealand, the driving force behind Bowls NZ will donate up to $500 to Bowls (Terms & Conditions below) when you buy a new Hyundai vehicle. Simply take this ad or your Bowls Club Card when you first go to your local dealer to qualify for this offer and check out the all-new i30 for yourself.

To book a test drive, call us on 0800 HYUNDAI (498632) or visit www.hyundai.co.nz Terms & Conditions: Hyundai will give $250 to Bowls NZ when you purchase a new Hyundai vehicle; plus the Hyundai dealer will present your local club with another $250. If you purchase a used Hyundai vehicle from a Hyundai dealer, the dealer will give $250 to your Club.

Win a Fabulous 6 night MaRlboRough WinE anD WhalEs luXuRY CRuisE (valuED at $7,500) bY REgistERing With MatEs in boWls Cruise onboard the luxurious “island passage” in an ocean stateroom from picton during november or December 2013.

to EntER visit WWW.MatEsinboWls.Co.nz, aDD YouR DEtails anD sEnD us a piCtuRE oF You plaYing thE gaME. Entries close and prize is drawn on 1st May 2013 Terms and conditions apply

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE OFFICE? New to every issue of Upshot will be the ‘What’s happening in the office?’ This page will keep you up to date on what your national staff are currently working on and everything new which is going on in Bowls NZ around the country.

HYUNDAI NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS The Hyundai National Open Championships will be held in Taranaki from 28 December until 9 January. The programme and draw can be found on the Bowls New Zealand website, (www.bowlsnz.co.nz). You will also be able to find updated results during the Championships. We wish all competitors the best of luck!

NATIONAL STAFF MEETING In November the Bowls New Zealand staff meeting was held over three days in Auckland. Bowls New Zealand staff and Regional Service Centres came together to discuss the bowls in New Zealand values, strategic and operational plans and presentations were given from Regional Service Centres among other topics. This was a great opportunity for all of the staff to gain more insight into other aspects of the organisation and to discuss future developments.

Bowls IN NEW ZEALAND VALUES A lot of work has gone into the development and presentation of the bowls in New Zealand values in the past months. From the start of next year Community Development Officers will be presenting these values to all of our Partner Clubs. You can see the bowls in New Zealand values poster on page 11 of this edition.

Bowls NEW ZEALAND CENTENNIAL Planning is well underway for the Bowls New Zealand Centennial and Hall of Fame which will be held next year. The centennial celebrations will include the Hall of Fame dinner and a two day conference. We encourage you to put forward nominations from your club for the Hall of Fame, all nomination forms can be found on the Bowls NZ website.

NATIONAL OFFICE CLOSING DATES The National Office will be closing for the Christmas Break at 5pm on 21 December and will reopen at 9am on the 7 January. We wish everyone a safe and merry Christmas.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters from this year. We truly appreciate your contribution and support of bowls in New Zealand! You can see the list of our sponsors on the Bowls NZ website. Thank you also to all of the volunteers who have contributed to the sport of bowls. You help to make this great sport what it is!

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

HALL OF FAME

BRIAN GUY In line with next year’s centenary the Hall of Fame will be launched. This will celebrate the people who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of bowls. Retired policeman and seasoned volunteer, Brian Guy of Gate Pa Bowling Club is an example of one of these people; someone who is always willing to put up his hand to help and never expects anything in return. First starting lawn bowls and indoor bowls in 1950 aged just 16, Brian was hooked from the first bowl. Along with an overwhelming passion and commitment Brian has also dedicated countless hours to volunteer roles within not only bowls but also his other passions; rugby and fishing. In his youth he played club level rugby as a forward, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He then made his mark on the fishing world when he landed a record breaking Bluefin Tuna on 18 February 1984. The Tuna is stuffed and mounted on the wall of the club to this day. “I think if people get everything out of the sport they should put something back, it doesn’t matter what the sport is it wouldn’t survive without volunteers.” It would seem this is Brian’s mantra as he sure knows a thing or two about volunteering! Brian first starting volunteering 47 years ago and hasn’t stopped since. He has recently been recognised with Life Membership to Bowls Bay of Plenty and

the ‘Service to Sport of Bowls Award’ at the Bay of Plenty Sports Awards 2012. “It was rather humbling” says Brian about the award, “one doesn’t do these things for reward purposes.” Brian, despite his modest attempts, is well deserving of the award after years of tireless volunteering. Among some of his more prestigious roles within bowls (and it is not easy to filter them out among the many roles he has held) Brian has been a Hamilton Bowling Club Executive Member (19651973), on the Bowls Bay of Plenty Executive (1995-2012), Bowls BOP Bowls NZ Councillor and an Executive Member of Bowls New Zealand.

After 62 years Brian is still at the top level of the sport winning his last Centre title in 2011. With such an extensive background you have to wonder what is next. Hopefully it will be a win in the Taranaki Men’s Fours which Brian has taken part in since 1965. He has been runner up once but this isn’t quite enough for Brian who is after the win. And with a spirit like this we are sure to see Brian donning the green and volunteering for years to come. Pictured below: Brian accepting his Service to Sport of Bowls Award.

If you know someone like Brian we encourage you to nominate them for the Hall of Fame and celebrate those who contribute to our sport. All nomination forms can be found on the Bowls NZ website.

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

GRANT’S CORNER TO CORNER TOURNAMENT

A FRESH SPIN ON LAWN BOWLS. Grant’s Corner to Corner is back for another year, and this time we have Corbans wine on board for the ride. So come join in the fun and try out a different angle on your favourite pastime!

ISSUE 28 DECEMBER 2012

upshot www.bowlsnz.co.nz

Santa Fe Priced from $53,990

EXCLUSIVE HYUNDAI OFFER FOR BOWLS MEMBERS Purchase a current Santa Fe before February 28, 2013 and get 3 Years/150,000kms Extended Warranty* Free worth $1,950. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, purchase a used Santa Fe before February 28, 2013 from your local Hyundai Dealer and get it serviced Free for 3 years or 45,000kms* Worth $1,200. As always, Hyundai New Zealand will donate up to $500 to Bowls (Terms & Conditions below). Simply take this ad or your Bowls Club Card when you first go to your local dealer to qualify for this offer.

To book a test drive, call us on 0800 HYUNDAI (498632) or visit www.hyundai.co.nz * - whichever occurs first Terms & Conditions: Hyundai will give $250 to Bowls NZ when you purchase a new Hyundai vehicle; plus the Hyundai dealer will present your local club with another $250. If you purchase a used Hyundai vehicle from a Hyundai dealer, the dealer will give $250 to your Club.