A change of tactics paid dividends for Alexandra skip Bill Clements, who upset the rhythm of the Hokonui mixed pair from Southland with five ends left.
The wily Clements (58) and his partner of 10 years, Linley O'Callaghan (51), beat Adele Greenfield and Tony Andrews 15-12 to advance to the national finals at Rotorua next month.
Alexandra remained unbeaten in the round robin competition for the six zone-six teams.
The last game was really a final, because Alexandra and Hokonui had remained unbeaten to that stage.
Hokonui beat South Otago 33-4, South Canterbury 18-8, Dunedin 13-6 and North Otago 16-13.
Alexandra beat North Otago 24-5, South Otago 16-9, South Canterbury 21-6 and Dunedin 21-10.
Hokonui led 11-9 after 11 of the 16 ends when Clements changed his tactics.
‘‘We lengthened the end into the wind and shortened it downwind,'' he said.
‘‘We made it hard for ourselves and also for our opponents. We adjusted better than they did.''
The tactic worked as Alexandra scored a one, three, one and one on the next four ends to lead 15-11 before the last end.
O'Callaghan and Greenfield had an even battle, but Clements was more decisive and had the edge over Andrews.
Clements (58), the owner of a retail store, has been playing bowls for the last 28 years. This will be the sixth time he has qualified for the national final in the event.
He joined the Professional Bowls Association three years ago and has won a record 45 Otago Central titles.
That includes a record seven titles in one year, which he achieved six years ago.
O'Callaghan started playing bowls in Dunedin 14 years ago and won one Dunedin title before shifting to Central Otago 10 years ago to live with Clements.
She has won 11 Central Otago titles. This has been a vintage year for her, with four titles and now a chance at a national title.
It was a significant win for the Alexandra pair because both Andrews and Greenfield reached the semi-finals of the singles when the New Zealand championships were held in Dunedin last year.
