BOWLS REPORT: Experience sees bowlers to the win

Volksrust Bowling Club played host to the Northern Zone Senior Singles Championships at the weekend, in balmy conditions.

The four section winners in the women’s competition were Nan Roos (Dundee), Margaret van Heusden (Vryheid), Dawn Phillips (Newcastle) and Johanna Braack (Volkrust).

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The semi-finals between Margaret and Nan, and Dawn and Johanna were both close affairs, with Nan coming from behind to win and Johanna edging out a determined Dawn.

Nan’s experience in the final proved vital in difficult condition and took her to victory against a game Johanna, who gained valuable experience playing at this level.

The seven men’s sections were won by Dries Els, John Cross (both Vryheid), Christo Davel, Ben Coetzee (both Volksrust), Doug Slabbert (Dundee), Ron Howe and John Douthwaite (both Newcastle).

In the quarter-final games, John Cross got the better of his clubmate, John D beat Christo and Ron accounted for Doug.

Both semi-finals proved to be close affairs, with the two Johns doing battle against each other and Ron taking on Ben.

John Cross took an early lead with two well-played threes at the beginning of the game, a lead he maintained until John D clawed his way back to level the scores at 17-all.

John Cross then narrowly missed his drive with John D lying four and game, thus narrowly losing the encounter.

Ron and Ben’s game also seesawed with both players scoring at regular intervals, with well drawn shots.

The final few ends saw Ron gain the edge to also beat his gallant opponent 21 – 17.

Inclement weather prevented the final from being played, and it will now be played at the KwaZulu-Natal Country Bowls (KZNCB) Senior Singles Playoffs.

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A few Newcastle teams, including the family team of Stephen, Samantha and Aspen Shaw, travelled to Ladysmith to play in the Hyper Packaging Trips competition last Sunday.

This proved to be a successful outing for the family, winning the tournament for the second consecutive year.

The Northern Zone Open Singles competition is due to be played in Dundee this weekend, with a number of Newcastle players having entered, all hoping to keep the sought after West Cup at the Newcastle Bowling Club.

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