Change of pace for TMO

Will Johnston

Taranaki’s Max O’Leary is used to making tight decisions.

Most people would recognise him with a whistle in hand officiating club rugby or with his head in a screen making calls as a television match official.

But the video ref’s good eye guided his team to victory in the 63rd annual North Island Liquor Victuallers Association bowls tournament, for the first time.

While having an obvious background in rugby, he’s no stranger to the bowling green.

“Both mum and dad both played bowls,” he said.

Mother, the late Ngaire, was a Taranaki rep out of the Rahotu club.

“As a youngster, I played indoor bowls a lot. The concept is almost identical but on a larger scale so easy to adapt the skills to the outdoor venue of the game.”

He said The Fitz team was skipped by John Garrud, with Jeff Bishop and Steve Walker joining O’Leary in the three-day event at the West End Bowling Club.

“John and Steve both currently represent Taranaki, so one could say a slightly stacked team. All players in the team contributed to each game but the nerves of steel and skill of our skip took us through.”

Day one and two of the tournament comprised six round-robin games with The Fitz winning five matches to qualify.

Its only loss of the tournament came from the Oakura Bowling Club, which O’Leary called a wake-up call.

The finals were on the third day with The Fitz playing a Sporty’s Bar team in the quarter-final, Shifty’s in the semi-final and Wheelhouse Sports Bar from Levin in a close final.  

The Fitz won the final 10-8 but O’Leary said it could easily have been 11-9 to Wheelhouse.

“But for the bounce of the jack on the last ball, it went our way.”

The DB Cup, pictured, sits in pride of place at O’Leary’s bar and restaurant in Fitzroy, making local bars jealous.

“There are some envious bar owners around a bit it’s all in great fun and spirits,” he said.  

“It’s a huge honour to have The Fitz added to a list of famous names in the liquor industry and bowling fraternity and leaves bragging rights for a year over close competitors.”
And for next year’s tournament?

“We are already looking to defending next year in Tauranga.”

Photo: Max O'Leary, Jeff Bishop, John Garrud and Steve Walker with their trophy.