against were "absolutely inspirational" because they were on their feet all day, lifting bowls and walking the greens. "If I'm doing that when I'm older, I'll be very happy.
Rawson first discovered the sport through social bowls at Seatoun alongside her partner. What began as a casual roll-up quickly turned into a competitive interest, and the couple eventually moved to the Miramar club and began to play regularly.
She said bowls had become a great way to switch off from her job and focus on something completely different."You're outdoors, meeting great people and playing a really challenging sport."
Despite being relatively new to the sport, Rawson had already made her mark, winning the junior singles championships at her Wellington club last season.
As she was used to competing against younger players in Wellington, some even in their teens, Rawson hoped more would take up bowls.
"It's a fantastic game. I'm definitely glad I found it."
Yesterday, her side notched up their first win of the week with a one-point victory over Napier at Inglewood.

''You're outdoors,
meeting great people
and playing a really
challenging sport.''

Pip Rawson
Competitive bowler

While it was a comfortable trip north for the Miramar team, it was not as easy for Sheryll Roberts from the Mercury Bay Bowling Club.
Roberts had to navigate storm-damaged roads near her remote Opito Bay retirement home in Coromandel to get to the tournament.
"It was nerve-racking because there were no cones, no warnings. There were slips on the hills," she said. "It's very hilly. "You'd come around the corner and right there would be a slip and a big tree, so I needed to take real care." She admitted it felt risky travelling south but was reassured by others making the journey.
Having made it to the tournament, she said all that was behind her."I'm absolutely loving it. It's so well organised, beautiful and wonderful."