Lowveld bowlers have been competing in the mixed pairs competition over the past two weekends.

Forty-one teams entered and after the round robin phase the top 16 teams progressed through to the knock-out stages at LVCC over the weekend.

The finals produced bowls of a high standard.

In the final, Francois Hanekom and Annette Stassen (White River), had a narrow two-shot, 16-14, win over Joao and Jeanette Richards (Nelspruit).

In the third/fourth place play-off to decide the third team that would go through to the regional play-offs, Tinus and Martie Janse van Vuuren beat their Barberton teammates Charl and Annemarie van der Ham, 22-20.

The Plate final was won by Kosie Smith and Joey Bam (Barberton), who beat Mike and Rhona Pienaar (Nelspruit).
The top three teams will go through to the Mpumalanga Play-Offs to be held in Ermelo on May 4 and 5.

The mixed pairs competition is an example of the unique position where bowls allows men and women, young and old to compete on an equal footing in a competitive environment.

Kevin Ruthven achieves personal victory at Munga Trail