Historical Gold Rush Tournament since 1977 continues …

The historical Gold Rush Tournament was recently held at the Krugersdorp Bowling Club (KBC). Various teams from all over the Sables district displayed their skills hoping to take top honours.

Thirty-six teams participated in the tournament aiming to raise funds for players who hope to play at the South African National Tournament.

According to the club treasurer, David Parker, the tournament was the idea of a couple of members back in the late 1970s. Some of the honorary members are still alive today.

“The first tournament took place in 1977 on a Sunday. It has been played every year since then except for the two years following the pandemic. It has proven to be so popular that it is now played over two days,” he said.

Some big-name players were in action on the day, including Protea players Shaun Thomas, Nicci Neal, Morgan Muvangho and Evergreen Donny Piketh.

David said after the first day of play, the top 12 teams were drawn against each other for the tournament champions and the other 24 teams would compete for the plate event.

“This led to some exceptional bowls being played.”

The eventual winners would be team Aurum followed by the Bomb Squad and Craffie. The plate winners would be won by Bowl Buster. The total prize money won was R45 000, shared by the winners.

At the prize-giving ceremony, club president Andy Selby thanked all the players who took part because there would be no tournament without the players as well as all members displaying good club spirit.

The winners in each category at the Gold Rush Tournament are:

• Open Event:
Corrie Tagg (gold)
Leile Syaman (silver)

• Invitational Event:
Elysess Heine (gold)
Dediree Steinhoble (gold in the ladies section)
Martin Janse (silver)
Stich Economakis (silver)
Louckie de Jager (bronze

• Veterans:
Robby Piketh (gold)
Kathy Haritz (silver)
Johan van den Berg (bronze)