A newly minted trophy was on the line at the (believed to be) inaugural Bay of Plenty Police Sport Lawn Bowls Tournament at the Whakatāne Bowling Club.

Fourteen pairs comprised retired and current Police staff, the odd ring-in and plenty of novices vied for the Klaus Klar and Mike Chelley-made top prize in late September. Many wore elaborate costumes and hilarity matched the competitiveness on the greens.

Teams played three games of 10 ends and at the end of the day three pairs remained undefeated with only three ends separating them.

The winners were the Blue Bowlers – Whakatāne’s Whare Wikeepa and Adam Keno – with three wins, 24 ends and 55 shots. Not far behind were Te Puke Thunder – father and son team Bruce and Mark Gordon – with three wins, 22 ends and 56 shots and Bowling Stones – trophy makers Klaus Klar and Mike Chelley – with three wins, 21 ends and 48 shots. 

Former Whakatāne senior sergeant Bruce Jenkins earned plenty of praise for supplying an afternoon spread and everyone thanked the Whakatāne Bowling Club and its members especially Anne Looney, Mary Carpenter, John Chelley, Cath Bartlett and Jane France for their assistance. 

Everyone was said to be very much looking forward to next year’s event.