Linden bowls goes from strength to strength
LINDEN – Local bowling club hopes to soon host competitions where members of other clubs can play.
Regulations for lawn bowls have relaxed since the move to lockdown levels 2 and 1, and Linden Bowling Club has been happy to start hosting internal competitions.
Social games have been held at Linden since mid-July, when government gave the green light for the sport to return.
Initially, jacks had to be placed with one’s foot and players had to leave immediately after their games.
While screening, temperature checks, sanitising and other protocols are still followed, bowlers have been grateful to roll the jack normally and enjoy a drink at the bar after the game.
“We could not run our annual winter tournament but we have started club competitions,” said club president Marc Haley
“Hopefully soon we will be able to host bigger tournaments and invite players from other clubs. At the moment, that is not allowed.”
Players must still pre-book their games and the club has been creative in making internal competitions work when only a certain number of players are allowed at any given time.
“There is still social distancing and masks must be worn when not bowling. We have left a space between rinks to keep people apart.”
Haley was the one to roll the first bowl and declare the greens open on 17 July.
This was after 17 weeks of lockown.
Linden Bowling Club had prepared for the day by having had the club sanitised thanks to a sponsorship from Faren Chemicals.
In May, a Covid standing committee was put in place with Sharnell Edwards appointed as the Covid safety coordinator. The committee worked hard in putting a return to bowls safety plan in place, in line with the guidelines set out by the minister of sport and Bowls South Africa.
On 17 July, Edwards informed the club committee she was satisfied that the staff had been trained and that the club complied with all the protocols and regulations of the controlling bodies of sport, and that the members may resume practice.
A few clubs that fall under Johannesburg Bowls Association will not return due to the financial strain of 17 weeks with little to no income. Haley mentioned that thanks to generous donations from members, Linden has been able to sustain its existence through this difficult period.
Details: Linden Bowling Club 011 888 5617.
