Locals feature in bowls awards

 

The Mangawhai bowling fraternity have figured prominently in the recent 2019 Northland Centre awards, and not just the players.

With his name put forward by the centre, Mangawhai custodian Wayne Neal was awarded Greenkeeper of the Year. Wayne cut his teeth at the Albertland greens then took over the Mangawhai post when Albertland closed seven years ago.

Wayne is certified in Grow Safe, Turf Pests and Turf Botany and is committed to the highest standard of expertise and enthusiasm. He attends all Northland seminars and green keeping meetings as well as Far North Seminars. He assists green keepers at many other Northland and Far North clubs with assessments of their greens, also donating seed to assist in better surfaces.

The two grass and one carpet (all weather) greens keep him busy. “It’s a seven-day-a-week job to maintain and keep the greens as the best in Northland and OSH compliant at all times,” he says. “You might not think it, but there are a lot of rules and regulations pertaining to health through sprays used and even down to player safety.”

Wayne also pays tribute to the many volunteers, men and women, who assist with renovations and preparations for tournaments. “It’s a full-time job but it’s very rewarding when we have a number of our local bowlers winning major tournaments elsewhere.”

This was actually Wayne’s fourth win as Northland greenkeeper and this year he was also named runner up in the whole of New Zealand award. From being the assistant coach with the Northland women’s representative team for 2019, Jane Walker was awarded the Coach of the Year title. “Patience is definitely a virtue,” says Jane who has been an official coach for two years. She first made her mark coaching first year bowlers who began with the ‘Have a Go’ fun day then showed further interest and aptitude for the game.

With a close interest also in swimming and golf Jane admits to not being a top bowler herself but has a deep love of the game, and her ability to transfer that same passion and dedication to her pupils has earned her the award.

She also coaches individuals on request. Jane has created a challenging and fun training environment for players at Mangawhai and in particular for players who were selected in the junior representative teams for 2018- 19 from her home club. Other local bowlers with a special mention were Club Volunteer of the Year, Bev Williams; Champ of Champs women’s pairs, Sue Wightman and Rawi Brewster; Northland Centre open singles, Sue Wightman.