The one and only Valerie Val Smith was hoisted shoulder high by the New Zealand and wider world sporting fraternity yesterday to acknowledge 500 marvellous international lawn bowls appearances in the distinctive Blackjacks livery.
After a well-earned rest day on Monday the magnificent 2016 World Bowls Championships in Christchurch roared into phase two yesterday at the Burnside, Bowls Canterbury, Bowls Papanui and Fendalton Clubs.
England won the men's triples title at the World Bowls Championships for the first time since 1980 after a tense final against Australia in New Zealand.
Australia comfortably beat England 23-8 to claim the women's fours title at the World Bowls Championships in Christchurch in New Zealand today - but the tables were turned between the countries in the men's triples final.
Two new records have been set for the World Indoor Championships in January 2017 and by far the biggest is that never in the history of the WBT World Indoor Championships have so many women qualified in the same year to play in the World Indoor Open Singles at Potters Resort.