Sporting briefs

Jack heads for France: Marlborough swimmer Jack Bugler is entering his final stage of preparation as departure date looms for a trip to the Virtus Global Games 2023. They will be staged in Vichy, France from June 4-10 and Jack will compete in several events – the 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle races, plus the 100m breast. The young para swimmer is the only member of the 10-strong NZ team to previously attend the Virtus Games, swimming in Brisbane in 2019.

Tasman Mako trialists: Teams have been named for a Tasman Mako men’s rugby trial game to be held at Lansdowne Park on Saturday June 3. There is a strong contingent of Marlborough-based players in Team Red, who will take on Team Blue, all Nelson-based in a match where players have a chance to impress the Mako selectors. From Central are Quentin MacDonald, Peni Fihaki, Lani Fihaki, Ben Filipo, Dusty Foley, Ethan Jones, Matt McCormick, Nigel Satherley and Braden Stewart. Waitohi players Dylan Burns, Taine Cragg-Love, Campbell Hart and Tim O’Malley are included, along with Monu Moli and Jake Pacey from Moutere. Former MBC standout Cooper Roberts, now playing club rugby in Christchurch is also included.

Shield win to be remembered: On July 28, 1973 the Marlborough rugby team lifted the Ranfurly Shield from Canterbury. On the same date, 50 years later, the team will hold a dinner at the Lansdowne Hub to celebrate what was arguably the province’s finest rugby moment.

Bowls drought ended: The Marlborough ladies indoor bowls team broke a 16-year drought in Nelson recently, bringing home the Scott Trophy, the first time the ladies have managed to get their hands on the silverware since 2007. Former national representative Lois Randall skipped the top ladies four, with Jill Hurcomb leading the second ladies team. Competing in fours, pairs and singles, both Marlborough combinations performed strongly, leading by 10 points at the halfway stage and going on to register a total of 80.5. Nelson finished second with 68.5, followed by Golden Bay-Motueka on 67. Showing the way for the ladies were Kiri Bond, 9 wins and 2 draws, and Randall with 8 wins and 2 draws. Roles were reversed in the men's event, playing for the Adams Trophy. Golden Bay-Motueka had built a 33-point lead after six games and went on to win with a score of 100. Nelson finished second with 63.5 followed by Marlborough on 52.5. Meanwhile, Tony Hitchcock and Diana North took out the NZ Indoor Bowls Mixed Pairs qualifying tournament on Saturday at the Simcox Stadium. They beat Steven Grant and Lois Randall 8-7 in the final. The NZ Henselite singles qualifying tournament was played on Sunday, with Nathan Della Bosca beating Steven Grant 16-11 in the final.