Sandra Keith receives the trophy for winning the New Zealand Fours championships on the weekend. Photo supplied.Sandra Keith’s collection is now complete.

Sure, it might have taken a little longer than she’d hoped, but the Ashburton bowler can now boast a feat few others in her sport can after she claimed her third Bowls New Zealand title on the weekend.

Keith, a former member of the Black Jacks, skipped her side to success in the National Fours Championships on Sunday in Mt Maunganui giving her the perfect three – success in all three disciplines played for at a national championship level.

Her fours win follows her singles victory in the 2011-2012 season and then a pairs title with Serena Matthews the following year.

It’s been a few years between drinks, so to speak, but Keith is happy to have the monkey off her back.

“I’ve been bridesmaid in that event a couple of times, so it’s nice to finally get one over the line,” she said yesterday after returning home.

“Everything went to plan from the outset, the whole team played well the whole way through and it made my job really easy at the other end.”

Keith was joined by Tayla Bruce, Clare Hendra and Selina Smith and on reflection decided that she was lucky to even be at the championships.

“I hadn’t planned on going to be fair, but Tayla asked me in the New Year if I wanted to play and I’d said no to her a couple of times, so thought I’d better say yes this time around.

“Then, when I heard who else was in the team I was convinced, it was a strong line-up.”

Keith’s side won the final 21-12 over Wendy Green’s side.

With three New Zealand titles and some good form on the board this season, Keith said there was no desire to chase her spot back in the New Zealand side at this stage, preferring to see what unfolds.

“I’m playing well and I’m really happy with how things are going at the moment.

“I don’t really want to put a heap into chasing something right now.”

The Allenton Bowling Club member has plenty to keep her mind busy in the coming weeks on the greens with club finals looming, as well as an appearance on Bowls Canterbury’s Finals weekend in the fours and the annual inter centre competition as well.

By Matt Markham © The Ashburton Guardian - 3 March 2020