Senior men finish last after great start at Arnott Shield triangular

A grand start by the Manawatu senior men did not translate into a grand finale at the annual triangular Arnott Shield match in Wanganui over the weekend.

In wind-blown conditions on the tricky Laird Park greens, Manawatu had three wins and a draw in the first round to be in front on seven points from Wanganui's six and Taranaki's five.

But from there it was all downhill, Manawatu dropping to third after the next round and Taranaki successfully defending the trophy. Manawatu finished last, as they did at Paritutu (New Plymouth) a year ago and suffered some heavy defeats on the way.

Pat Horgan had a good weekend for Manawatu, winning three of his four pairs, with Brian Little and yesterday with Ross Ellery. Steve Toms also went well, as did Neil Gordon.

The Manawatu development team were runners-up, with Wanganui winning the Duckett Trophy at the Aramoho Bowling Club.

Last year's winners, Taranaki, were a distant last. Manawatu were second the whole way through and did manage a clean sweep of wins in the last round yesterday. Manawatu won both trophies in 2007.

Shane Rogers went through unbeaten, winning both singles (one by 38) and both pairs with Jason Aldrich. Cameron Nairne and Mark McIntosh also distinguished themselves.

Meanwhile, the controversial unfinished centre pairs qualifying game between Horgan and clubmate Dave Free was to be finished this afternoon, resuming where they left off at Terrace End a week ago.

Final points – Arnott Shield (seniors): Taranaki 23pts + 34diff, Wanganui 20 + 9, Manawatu 17 - 43.

Duckett Trophy (juniors): Wanganui 28 + 57, Manawatu 22 + 82, Taranaki 10 - 37. The 12-player Manawatu senior women's rep side beat Taranaki, 6 1/2-2 1/2, in a new fixture played at Terrace End on Saturday.

Manawatu won the pairs, 4-2 and the triples 2 1/2-1 1/2.

Fran Frith won both of her games, the pairs with Sheryn Blake, and with Bev Budd they came back to win their triples.

The pair of Lynlea Rogers and Chris Quinn rebounded from being 14-0 down to win, 23-19.

The development match was drawn 5-all.

Selector Lyn Elphick has named a Manawatu senior team to play Hawke's Bay on December 13.

Team: Bev Budd, Fran Frith, Sheryn Blake (all Terrace End); Chris Quinn, Lynlea Rogers, Feona Sayles, Mere Fryer (all Northern); Gillian Friif (Johnston Park).

- © Fairfax NZ News