West End Duo Reigns Supreme at Champion of Champion Pairs

The Waimate Bowling Club rolled out the red carpet on Saturday, hosting the South Canterbury Champion of Champion Pairs in a display of hospitality and top-tier bowls. Players were treated like royalty by the local members, while the green—running at a slick 18 seconds—offered a "drawers' paradise" for the region's best.

The West End pair of Scott Fisher and Bruce Wakefield continued their club’s stellar season, capturing the title with a commanding performance in the final against Geraldine’s Nigel Dewe and Dennis Johnston.

From the opening end, Wakefield applied immense pressure, consistently smothering the kitty. Although Dewe briefly took a 1–0 lead with an outstanding yard-on shot, Fisher responded immediately, outdrawing Johnston to reclaim the lead 2–1.

Geraldine fought valiantly, with Dewe forcing a "killed end" to keep his team in the hunt, but the precision of the West End duo proved too much. They surged to a 9–2 lead before a pivotal moment on the following end. Johnston and Dewe had built a clinical three-shot hold, only for Fisher to dismantle it with an accurate drive and a follow-up run shot that moved the kitty two yards to collect two shots, Dewe with his last bowl drew shot but his bowl was out of the rink.

The pressure remained relentless. By the 10th end, despite Johnston trailing the jack for a potential two, Fisher’s sensational form allowed him to draw the shot and extend the lead. When Fisher coolly secured a second shot against Dewe’s four-shot trail late in the game, the Geraldine pair conceded with three ends to spare, the scoreboard reading 16–4.

The victory marked a significant milestone for Bruce Wakefield, earning him his first South Canterbury title. Wakefield, who recently spent 22 years playing at the Burnside club, noted that the Waimate green speed felt remarkably similar to his former home.

For Scott Fisher, this victory represents his 11th South Canterbury title. Fisher was quick to praise his partner, noting that Wakefield’s consistency provided him with an "armchair ride" throughout the tournament, but it would be fair to say that Fisher was also at his best and they as team never let Geraldine in game and thoroughly deserved the Doug Jones cup and winning South Canterbury centre title. 

The West End pair will now head to Hastings to represent South Canterbury in the National Finals.

While West End remained the team to beat, Geraldine reached the final after a "pulsating" semi-final performance that left the Timaru club with no answers.

In the other semi-final, West End edged out last year's winners, Sam Morton and Marshall Stoddart, in a closely contested battle.

Quarter Finals

Geraldine - Nigel Dewe and Dennis Johnston 19, Fairlie - Mitchell and Bruce Dunbar 15

Timaru - Warren Garrick and Tony Marshall 30, Waimate - Ron Law and  Bernie Morton 5

Temuka - Sam Morton and Marshall Stoddart 20, Kia Toa - Dean Harper and Dan Johnston 13

West End - Scott Fisher and Bruce Wakefield 20, Pleasant Point - Terry Nally 16

Semi Final 

Geraldine 22 - Timaru 6

West End 15 - Temuka 13

Final 

West End 17 - Geraldine 5

 - Richie Kerr