In the 50+ title, Grant Craig beat Gary Duberley which is a huge effort; Gary has represented NZ in Masters untold times, and recently beat the British Open masters champion Steve Wren at the Americas Masters Games 2016.
Scott Gardiner was a popular winner of the men’s 45 title. He spent a decade in Dunedin during the 1990s and has previously dominated the lower age-groups and been a regular national masters rep.
Barry Gardiner still playing at 78 took the Men’s 75+ title and his son, David Gardner (Queenstown) picked up the men’s 40 title.
Wayne Seebeck, Canterbury's Manager won the 60+ title.
In the women’s competition, Freda Walker picked up the 60 + title and Karen Walton picked up the 55+ title.
Team photo: Nathan Smith, Ed Post, Lawrence Skurr, Erin Ellery, Chris Jarrett, Scott Gardiner, Grant Craig, Freda Walker, Mary Turnbull and Phill Tough. Missing from photo - Karen Walton, Shayle Pringle and Helen Bennington
In recent years Canterbury have dominated, winning five times since 2007.
Canterbury were top seeds and had five individual title holders in their line-up but were beaten in the semi-final by Waikato. Although not the final match, the tie hinged on the game between Paula Hamer and Shayle Pringle in the women’s 35 grade. Pringle had a match point in the 5th set but Hamer eventually prevailed 16-14 and was pivotal in the 6-5 overall score in Waikato’s favor.
Canterbury went on to beat Bay of Plenty 6-5 in the third and four playoffs
Final Placings: