Young bowlers find their bias
KZN Country Bowls teams reaped the reward of focus and determination earlier this month.
After years of working towards its goal, the KwaZulu-Natal Country Bowls under-19 teams have reaped the rewards.
The South African under-19 Development Tournament was hosted in Pietermaritzburg from April 1 to April 4, and the local teams were excited to be in the play-offs.
After the first day, the KZNCB A and B teams were both in second place.
Despite holding this position until day three, the A team unfortunately dropped a few points towards the tail end of the competition, and ended in fifth position overall.
The C team, comprised of inexperienced bowlers, fought every match and only lost by a few shots.
Consisting of skip Duncan McKendrick (Estcourt), third Alwyn Martignone (Pongola), second Ruben Kenckenten (Dundee High School) and lead Flippie van Vreden (Piet Retief), the B team played excellent bowls under the leadership of manager Dougie Slabbert.
The B team ended atop its section at the end of day three.
Although it faced an experienced team in the final, the B team kept calm and took the lead from the start, leaving opponents JBA requiring a perfect score of eight to win.
With only two shots on the last end, JBA could only narrow the gap to 22-17.
There were many tears among the B team at the prize giving ceremony, particularly when Stand Up For The Champions was played and Grant Melville of Dundee was presented with the prestigious ‘Personality of the Tournament’ medal.
This prize was awarded for sportsmanship both on and off the greens.
Organisers and management of the KZNCB under-19 teams expressed their pride at all teams for giving their best, and to the B team and Grant for superb accolades.
“We would like to thank the KZNCB executive for its support, the parents for driving the children to practices, trials and the tournament. They were always there with cold drinks, juice and hugs for the kids if they needed it.”
Gratitude was also extended to all sponsors and clubs for making the opportunity possible for the under-19s.
These thank-yous also extended to the team managers, Andries Fouche, Dougie Slabbert and Hannelie Arndt for their dedication to the future of bowls in South Africa.
“We are looking forward to bringing more medals home next year – remember that hard work brings success!”
