Champions to play in fundraiser

If Kevin Gallop were alive today, he would surely be humbled that 136 players from around New Zealand, including one of the world's very best, are turning out to compete in a tournament that bears his name.

This weekend's Kevin Gallop Memorial Invitation Fours Tournament was the brainchild of Kevin's younger brother, Lloyd, a very fine bowler with a national title under his belt.

During his battle with cancer, Kevin spent a lot of time in Christchurch being treated at the leukaemia centre. In 1997, at the age of 46, he lost his battle with the dreaded disease.

Many Marlburians have gone through similar treatment or used the family facilities in Christchurch, and Lloyd wanted to give something back. What better way, in this case, than by holding a fundraising bowls tournament dedicated to his brother and the Christchurch Hospital leukaemia unit?

Gary Lawson, the current world pairs and fours champion skip from the Eastbourne club in Wellington, is the star attraction, one of 34 skips competing for nothing more than bragging rights and a great cause.

Lawson is currently serving a Bowls New Zealand suspension after his New Zealand four was found guilty of throwing an end in a match against Thailand at last year's Asia Pacific tournament in Kuala Lumpur. The suspension doesn't prevent him from playing in this event.

Headquarters for the event is the Blenheim club, but Lawson's four is based at the Blenheim Workingmen's Club greens in Budge St tomorrow.

Included in that four is Lawson's New Zealand team-mate from Kuala Lumpur, Shayne Sincock, of the Havelock club.

Other notable skips taking part include another of Lawson's New Zealand four from last year, Shannon McIlroy, of the Stoke club in Nelson, as well as Kelvin Scott, of Blenheim and another former national title-holder, Andre Smith, of Havelock. Most of Marlborough's top players are taking part.

A major part of the fundraising is Saturday night's auction at the Royal Hotel. Items going under the hammer include a signed Crusaders jersey donated by this year's team, All Blacks signed merchandise, electrical appliances and a prize all good punters and/or pet lovers will be after, a three-month-old greyhound puppy bred for racing.

Lloyd Gallop said the response to the tournament had been great, and anyone who wanted to make a donation to the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation could do so.

He said all the money raised during the weekend would go to the Christchurch facility used by Marlborough people.

Play starts on both Saturday and Sunday at 9am, running until about 5pm. There are two sections played at the Blenheim club and one at the workingmen's greens, with three matches each on both days. The team with the most points overall wins.

The auction at the Royal Hotel begins at 8pm. A special guest during the weekend is Christine Kerr, of the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation in Christchurch.

- The Marlborough Express