LCC beat Vrystaat opponents
The local golfers were determined to reclaim the trophy they lost to the Harrismith guys at the away match earlier in the year
The Country Club was in full swing over the past weekend, starting with the Cas Venter Memorial Monthly Mug on Saturday and then the Ladysmith vs Harrismith Challenge at golf and the Livingston Lawnmower Mixed Trips bowls tournament on Sunday.
What a wonderful weekend of golf, bowls, great fellowship, camaraderie and competitive sport in the most glorious weather and course / greens conditions. Although we have not been blessed with much rain in recent weeks, the golf course and the bowling green have stood up to the conditions and with the efforts put in by the green-keeping staff, both facilities are in good condition for competition play.
The Cas Venter Memorial Monthly Mug was played on Saturday afternoon and once again the competition was tight in both divisions. The ‘A’ Division Mug winner was Sipho Hlongwa with a 68 net and also the ‘Best Gross’ score. Runner-up was Leon Petersen with 69 net. The ‘B’ Division winner was Andrea Sirchia on 68 net, on a count-out from Stephen van Tonder. The Individual Stableford winner was Heinz Habermann with 39 points on a count-out from Retief Marais. ‘Nearest the Pin’ winners were Andrew Bouwer, Dolf Pollard, Leon Petersen and Enrico Bozza. The ‘Longest Drive’ winner was Gerald Boardman. There were no fewer than nine two-clubs. Thanks to Andrea and Jill Sirchia for the sponsorship of this event and to Andrea for getting the ‘Pig’ out at prize-giving to remind us all of the standards and values that the late Cas Venter held onto very forcefully.
The annual return-match of the Ladysmith vs Harrismith Challenge ‘Piston Trophy’, sponsored by Tugela Panelbeaters, was played at home on Sunday morning. 26 golfers from each club were set off by Mike Williams with a ‘shotgun start’ and the local golfers were determined to reclaim the trophy they lost to the Harrismith guys at the away match earlier in the year. It seems that local golf course knowledge is very important, because our guys managed to outshine their Vrystaat opponents and reclaim the challenge trophy by 557 points to 538. The best better-ball combination was Noel Hoffman and Michele Bozza with 49 points, on a count-out from Gerry Grobler and Corné Stevens. Third place went to D Pretorius and L Zietzman from Harrismith with 46 points. ‘Nearest the Pin’ winner was Chris Nel and the ‘Longest Putt’ prize was won by Kobus Moolman. Once again, a great day’s competitive golf and super fellowship at the braai lunch after prize-giving.
Thanks to Mike and Dries for the arrangements and to Mike for the sponsorship of this very popular annual event. The Livingston Lawnmowers Mixed Trips bowls tournament was played on Sunday morning and this event attracted a full entry of 14 teams, with unfortunately some late entries having to be turned away. The green was playing beautifully and the format of play was quite different with two games of 18 ends being played, with each bowler being in a different “position” after each six ends. By doing this, every bowler has the opportunity to experience play as a “lead”, a “second” and a “skip” for six ends of each game.
Overall winners with a score of four points +22 were Charlie Mapp, Ria Mapp and Liefie Oosthuizen from Harrismith Bowling Club. Runners-up with four points +20 were Bertus van der Westhuizen, Geoff Lee and Padma Magan, with third spot going to Veejay Singh, Maureen Steatfield and Raymond Streatfield with four points +19. A really close finish, with only shot average making the final draw.
The morning “session prize” went to Graham Elworthy, Barbara Elworthy and John Elworthy, who kept it in the family, while the afternoon prize went to Phil Rooke, Carol Unsworth and Chris Hill from Bergville Bowling Club. Even the 13th and 14th placed teams received a special prize, but no mention of their names, as the selectors might take fright. A truly wonderful day of competitive and fun bowls, excellent cuisine and super fellowship at this great sponsored bowls event. Thanks to Gavin and Barbara Livingston for their support and sponsorship, and also to “Anje” (the family chef) for having turned out the most enjoyable ‘Master Chef’ luncheon for the bowlers and guests. Gavin has agreed to sponsor this event again in 2016 and the entry list is sure to close very soon after posting. This Saturday’s golf competition is the Ladysmith Rugby Club Day (Bulldogs), which takes the format of a Four-Ball Alliance Stableford. This is a very popular golfing and social event, so make sure your entry is in on time. The draw is on Friday at 6pm.
A further reminder of the Special General Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, at 5.45pm. Your attendance and participation at this important meeting will be greatly appreciated.
