After 4 rounds there was truly still all to play for with Katherine Mathews leading the way alongside, Jason Wheal and Jacob Potiki-Tagg, with an eager Kane Matheson and a stalking Neville ward lurking, waiting to see if the top dogs slip up.

Mathesons and Ward played each other in the final games, with Ward needing an outright +2 set wins and big points to potentially tip Wheal from the top spot, who could only watch from another rink and see the carnage unfold, with Matheson showing no mercy over his opponent and winning in straight sets, but just not enough to make it tops.

Last year’s winner Louw, performed very well in 4 games, but lost two in nail biter, last bowl tie breakers to Potikki-Tagg, drawing an absolute stonker last bowl with no room to spare and soon to be 10 year old Lachie Mcewen playing an absolute screamer to sink the jack in the ditch, to secure a narrow victory. Potiki-Tagg went on to win 5 games but missed out on set the count.

Southland players Calder, Mathews and Wheal, was super impressed with the playing service, brought a good flavour to the event, and vowed to be back.

Jason Wheal was the stand out, His consistent draw play and calm demeanour with solid composure pushed him through, as he paved his way to the national finals at Naenae in Wellington.

Local players enjoyed playing against further field participants and the balance between male and female was almost even, showing that no matter who you are, bowls is a game for all.

The format again shows that bowls is an exciting game and especially showing that you can’t predict the winner until the very last game, “It’s here to stay and grow.