The Ōhope Bowling Club Xceda Finance Men’s Paradise Bowls was again a cracker on the green.
One of the club’s major tournaments, it attracted 32 teams who competed in challenging – cold and windy – conditions last weekend.

After four games of one hour 30 minutes on the first day, the teams were split into the top

16, A Section and the bottom 16, B Section.
Four games were played on day 2 to determine the top three places in each section.

The $5000 in prize money was generously sponsored by local businesses; Xceda Finance,

Gateway Flooring Xtra, Davey Painters, Hammertons Lawyers, Nicholsons Autos, Ōhope

Autos Workshop, Ōhope Beach Resort, Ōhope Beach Tavern and Pak ‘N Save.

Section A was won by an Ōhope team, which included one member from Tauranga South. The team of Jack Berry, Wayne Fell, Warwick Wickham and Chris Campny won all four games.
Berry, who has moved from the Isle of Wight, is a new member of the club and this was his first time playing.

A Tauranga team took second and third place went to a team from Ōhope and Whakatāne, consisting of Mark Sarginson, Ray Owens, Steve Green and John Chelley.

Section B was won by a Palmerston North team with Omaranui finishing second, and third place going to a composite team.

Tournament controller Katarina Stepec said it was a fantastic couple of days.
“Overall, it was challenging with the wind but everyone had a good couple of days.

It went really well. It was sunny and everybody was really excited and happy to be there.

“There was a real good energy and exciting vibe to the tournament. It was great.”
She said it was great having bowlers from outside the region come and take part in the event.

“There was a lot of awesome bowlers, and you had to be on your game because the conditions were tough.”

A highlight was seeing some younger bowlers competing.  

There was a young lad from Ngongotaha, Hunter Wiringi, playing alongside his grandad, John Hohepa-Taui, and a set of twins from Gisborne, Kyle and Liam Pinn, who played with their dad, Geoff.

“It’s great seeing the younger ones out there playing. It really shows it is a family sport and that anyone can give bowls a go.

“They were great bowlers and awesome young men. We were honoured to have them at our tournament.”

In 2026, the tournament will celebrate 20 years.