The first round saw the South take a 10-6 lead, winning five of the eight games played.
The men’s fours teams had an epic battle of more than three and a-half hours to find an eventual winner.
A repeat of the five wins for the South in the second round set the clash up for a big last session — the North needing to come from well behind to retain the trophy.
With individual medals already decided in three of the eight disciplines, the South just needed to maintain the advantage and win a minimum of two games.
This was achieved very quickly with singles player Jenelle Lockyer, of Timaru, pushing a close match over the line, and locals Alanna Moffitt and Hannah Botting beating their opponents convincingly in the women’s pairs.
The rest was academic, as the stadium with both players and supporters erupted in cheers of jubilation at that weight of disappointment finally being lifted.
TPOMA was praised by the captains and New Zealand Bowls executives during presentation speeches.
"South Otago Indoor Bowls put a great effort into setting up and running the day," South Otago Indoor Bowls president Chris Moffitt said.
More than 300 watched the live streamed test match, which drew about 70 spectators per session to TPOMA’s "indoor grandstand".
New Zealand Indoor Bowls Federation Interisland Test match, Saturday August 2 at TPŌMA
Kevin Eddy Memorial Trophy — North Island v South Island
South Island 27-North Island 21
Individual set results
Men’s Singles: 2-1 North
Women’s Singles: 2-1 South
Men Pairs: 2-1 North
Women’s Pairs: 3-0 South
Men’s Triples: 2-1 South
Women’s Triples: 2-1 South
Men’s Fours: 2.5-0.5 North
Women’s Fours: 2-1 South
— Chris Moffitt & Nick Brook
