Southern bowlers were out in force on Saturday, as Balclutha Bowling Club held its biggest social fours tournament of the year.
Club president Pat Teraki said she was thrilled to see more than 100 competitors at the Bill Barron Bowling Tournament, from clubs across Southland and Otago.
Teraki said the event commemorated the contribution to the club — and to southern bowls — of South Otago stalwart Bill Barron.
She said Barron was a "true gentleman" of the sport, whose legacy lived on in naming the club’s main green, and the annual summer tournament.
Several members of Barron’s family, including his son Kevin, attended on Saturday.
Kevin Barron said his father would have been delighted to see so many out in the sunshine enjoying the sport he loved, and played for more than 60 years in South Otago.
"This is the 11th year for the tournament, and it’s fantastic to have 26 teams here taking part today.
"My father held the record for centre titles [41] for quite a while, until it was surpassed by some excellent current bowlers in recent years.
"He was very proud to have won the 1977 New Zealand singles title, and would be pleased to see the club looking in such good heart today."
As well as "friendly competition" throughout the day, there was a fun "shoot-out" at lunchtime, Teraki said.
"We have a set of Bill’s 1952 bowls here today, and four selected players will have a shoot out to get as close to the kitty as they can with these bowls, which are quite different to those of the present day.
"It’s a bit of fun, but the winner will also get $50."
