7 Jan 2017

Blackjacks-packed side favourite for women's fours title

8:52 am on 7 January 2017

The Blackjacks-packed lawn bowls team of Jo Edwards, Val Smith, Tayla Bruce and Kirsten Edwards are the favourites to take out the women's fours final at the National Championships in Taranaki on Saturday.

Blackjacks bowls representative Val Smith in action for New Zealand.

Blackjacks bowls representative Val Smith in action for New Zealand. Photo: Photosport

The Edwards-skipped team managed to hold their nerve in a close-fought semi-final on Friday to secure their place in the title match.

They'll meet Lisa White, Jessie Macaw, Natasha Russell and Kimberley Hemingway on the green at nine o'clock, with White's team having a more convincing 18-10 win in their semi-final.

Meanwhile, one of New Zealand's most successful men's lawn bowlers, Ali Forsyth, is out of the singles and fours competitions after suffering losses on Friday.

Forsyth went down 10-21 to Scott Roberts in his knockout singles fixture, and then skipped his fours team to a loss in their semi-final, with Dean Elgar's team coming from behind to win a chance at the title.

But Forsyth is still in the running to defend his New Zealand pairs title with his father, Neville.

Blackjack Ali Forsyth celebrates a good shot while representing New Zealand.

Blackjack Ali Forsyth celebrates a good shot while representing New Zealand. Photo: Photosport

Elgar will face Peter Bellis' side in the fours final this morning.

The women's pairs finalists have also been found and a new champion will be crowned on Sunday.

Denise Taylor and Dot Belliss, who entered the National Open Championships "for the experience", will play Dale Rayner and Youth Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Ashleigh Jeffcoat for the title.