Bowls favourites advance

The cream of singles players all qualified for post section play in the South Canterbury Bowls open singles.

Playing on excellent greens at Waimate and Kia Toa clubs, Gary Ford and favourite Sean O'Neill had four comfortable wins and will be the players to beat.

Others bowlers to impress were Dan Rooney, Bill Cosgriff and seven-times winner Alan Roffey along with the the in-form Colin Hunter, who all went through unbeaten.

Jim Vevers beat Alan Wilkinson in a cliffhanger 21-20 to qualify after he lost his first game to young bowler Nigel Dewe 21-17.

Scott Fisher lost to O'Neill in his first match but fought back to win his next three games including a nail-biter against Laurie Shanks.

Ken Feathers was too good for Spooky Brown, while Barry Andrews was on fire against Ron Couling to qualify.

Steve Jones outclassed Brent Henderson, while Richie Kerr outplayed Merv Davey.

Dick Bennett also got through after driving the jack into the ditch to beat Graham Taiaora.

The match of day was between Shanks and Dennis Johnston.

Johnston was in complete control leading 20-12 but Shanks played eight brilliant shots, using his last bowl on each occasion, to turn the game in his favour and post an incredible 21-20 win.

- © Fairfax NZ News