Club News
Fri 15 Jan 2010:Delany Fulfils Potential
Onehunga's Danny Delany has won his first title at the Hyundai National Championships, leading for Gary Lawson in the mens pairs. The Auckland representative came from behind against former Black Jack Sean O'Neill and Lance Pascoe to win 14-12.
Delany, 31, only an occasional participant at the Nationals, has been a semi finalist twice before, yet never reached a final.
Back in 1998 a young Delany was a part of a Pat Campbell skipped Rawhiti foursome that travelled to Wellington for the Nationals. They were toppled in the semi fianl by Andre Smith of Havelock, with the Smith side including Lloyd Gallop at three, playing in memory of Kevin Gallop, a former New Zealand singles runner up who had recently died of cancer.
Smith, Gallop, Kevin Greenwood and Bob Dowling would go on to win the fours final.
Playing three for Campbell was the one and only Nick Unkovich. Over the ensuing years Campbell and Unkovich took Delany under their wing. They identified the raw, natural talent he had and groomed him into what he is now- widely regarded as Auckland's best player, with nearly ten centre titles under his belt.
However, while Delany excelled on the greens around Auckland in the early 2000's he never enjoyed great success on the national scene.
After the unfortunate passing of Rawhiti legends Campbell and Unkovich, Delany sought a new home. Former world champion Marlene Castle at Onehunga would welcome him, brother Tom and Chris Le Lievre to the club with open arms.
After his arrival at Onehunga Delany would win two National Club Championship titles with Le Lievre, and the bright young light that Unkovich and Campbell spotted would finally start to shine.
He made his second semi final appearance at the Nationals last year at Pakuranga, skipping Mike Nasey in the pairs.
Bowls New Zealand acknowledged the form of Delany, including the truck driver in their regional development squad. At around the same time, Gary Lawson would snap him up for his fours side and as pairs partner for the Wellington Nationals.
On winning his tenth title at the Nationals, Lawson said, “I'm especailly happy for Danny. I'm proud of the way we hung in there and we played the big ones when they counted.”
Lawson is referring to the 2-10 deficit they faced and clawed their way back from in the final at the Hutt Club. Sean O'Neill was in sublime form early on, and it took all the patience Delany could muster to retrieve the situation in extremely trying conditions, something that perhaps in days gone by Delany might not have been able to execute.
The 2010 Nationals was the coming of age for Danny Delany, as he sits on the fringe of the Black Jacks squad.
Auckland Bowls congratulates Danny Delany on his fantastic achievement.
RESULT
Hyundai National Championships, Mens Pairs
Last 16
Lawson & Delany beat Nick Krajancic (skip, Carlton Cornwall, Auckland) & Neil Fisher (Pakuranga, Auckland) 18-12
Quarter Final
Lawson & Delany beat Shane Rogers (skip) & Grant Simms (Terrace End) 17-14
Semi Final
Lawson & Delany beat James Pugh (skip) & David Eades (Stoke) 22-13
Final
Gary Lawson (skip, Eastbourne) & Danny Delany (Onehunga, Auckland) beat
Sean O'Neill (skip, Kia Toa) & Lance Pascoe (Blaketown) 14-12
