Eden Murrell-Manu, left, and Alisa Waters took out the national pairs title. Photo supplied
National champs
Picton bowlers Eden Murrell-Manu and Alisa Waters are national champions after taking out the NZ woman's pairs final at the National Champion of Champions tournament in Hastings at the weekend. They defeated Hinuera Bowling Club's Karen De Jongh and Debbie White 15-13 in a thrilling final decided by a brilliant last bowl.
Summer selection
Two Wairau Rowing Club member save been included in the New Zealand elite summer squad. Meg Flanagan, currently studying at the University of Tennessee in the States picks up a prized position in the national Summer Squad for the first time. She will be joined by Fred Vavasour, out of the University of Otago, who returns to the squad for his second season.
Netball honours
Members of the Marlborough netball community were to the fore at the recent Services netball champs. Pelorus middie Bex Mark and Tokomaru’s Ellen Barr were part of the undefeated Air Force women’s team, taking out the Services title back-to-back. Local umpire Lisa Brewer was honoured to be chosen to referee the NZDF Women’s Final. The trio have also been selected to attend the national tournament in October, Ellen part of the NZDF mixed team, Bex in the NZDF women’s squad and Lisa selected to officiate.
Charlotte victorious
Former Queen Charlotte College rower Charlotte Lightfoot recently produced some top results at the 142nd Royal Canadian Henley regatta in Ontario, scoring victories in both the under-23 women's double and single. Charlotte is studying and part of the rowing team at Oregon State University.
Rarangi champs
The winners have been crowned at the recent 2026 Rarangi Open golf tournament. The men’s gross winner was Nelson’s Elijah Barney while Michael Gibb from the Awatere club won the men’s nett. The women’s gross was won by Lizzie Neale from Nelson with Jennifer Rutherford from Motueka the women’s nett victor.
Matt finish
Matt Pigou captured the men's singles title for the third time in the recent Marlborough closed table tennis championships, beating Ollie Phipps in an enthralling five-set final. Ollie beat Nathan Cross in one semi, while Matt advanced to the final with a win over Fletcher Phipps. In the women's singles, Caitlin Exton won her first title, beating Lan Zhang in three sets. Cora Wilson claimed third place, just getting past Marion Wood. Matt and Zac Cowdrey won the men's doubles final over Ollie and Nathan in four sets. In the women's doubles final Lucy Thom and Cora Wilson beat Lan and Caitlin in a five set thriller. Ollie and Lan won the mixed doubles title.