The lawn bowls finals of the National Fours Championships brought more than 200 spectators to the Alexandra Bowling Club (ABC) on Sunday afternoon (February 26), some of whom saw more than they had expected.

ABC manager Paul Jerrom said it was a world first for Alexandra when a streaker took to the green on Saturday afternoon.

“All of a sudden someone ran out stark naked and did a circle and then disappeared off.”

More than 120 men’s teams and 66 women’s teams played in the Fours. 

Paul said the support from the community was awesome and that Alexandra had put on “magnificent weather”.

The women’s final game

The Central Otago and Southland composite team of Lynda Milne (Invercargill), Linley O’Callaghan (Alexandra), Angela Johnstone (Hokonui) and Christine Buchanan (Queenstown) were beaten by blackjack and skipper Val Smith (Nelson), Deb White (Hinuera), Ashleigh Jeffocat and Kimberley Hemingway (both from Carlton Cornwall) in the final (14-19).

In the men’s final Raika Gregory (Ngaruawahia), Kelvin Budge (Patearoa), Robert Bennett (Victoria) and David Budge (North East Valley) were defeated by the Canterbury composite team of Rodney Greaney (skip), Paul Matheson, Adrian Robins and Kevan Greenwood (14-22).

Two Central finalists were awarded silver: Linley O’Callaghan from Alexandra Bowling Club (ABC), and Kelvin Budge from Patearoa Bowling Club. 

The weekend crowd enjoyed stunning weather in Alexandra

The mixed pairs round robin started yesterday (Monday February 27) with 238 mixed pairs taking part. 

Play will be live streamed on the Bowls New Zealand YouTube channel and the Sky pop up channel 600. 

The mixed pairs quarters, semis and finals are on Thursday, spectators are welcome, food and drink is available at ABC.

PHOTOS: Bowls New Zealand and Alexandra Bowling Club