Competing for the trophy
As the tournament progressed, it was sure to come down to a very tight final two games
The Ladysmith Country Club Men’s Fours 14th anniversary of the ‘DonNino Trophy’, sponsored by Boardman Bros and Clover Leaf Candles, was played on Saturday and Sunday, with another entry of 10 men’s teams challenging the open draw for the coveted title and overall prize.
The weather could not have been better, with brilliant sunshine and barely a breath of wind for both days’ bowls.
Some teams drew an easier start than others in the earlier games, but as the tournament progressed, it was sure to come down to a very tight final two games, with only the two Harrismith Bowling Club teams (skipped by defending champion Adam Bookless and by Andre Vivier) being the only unbeaten teams after four rounds.
The fifth round is known for some upset results and this year’s tournament saw a complete swing about, as both Harrismith teams lost their fifth match, Adam Bookless going down to Franco Lepera’s Estcourt Bowling Club team and Andre Vivier going down to Bertus van der Westhuizen’s team.
On the other hand, the Bergville Bowling Club team, skipped by Peter Scott, scored an excellent win to bring about a result that there were now three teams with eight points and the overall positions requiring a ‘shot average’ decision.
The overall winners were Bergville Bowling Club’s Peter Scott, Phil Rooke, Trevor Wood and Jimmy Nel with a positive shot average of 43, pushing the Harrismith Bowling Club team of Adam Bookless, Pierre Swart, Henk Stander and Harold Pratt into second place with a positive shot average of 23.
Harrismith’s Andre Vivier, Nico Emmenes, Willie Steenkamp and Rossouw finished third with +15 and then Klipbank Bowling Club’s Eric Robinson, Ron Richmond, Benny Malan and Len Pitts were overall fourth with six points +22.
Incidentally, this KBC team also recorded a ‘perfect eight’ in the most brilliant fashion. A fabulous weekend of men’s fours good bowls, great fellowship and camaraderie, excellent meals and good fun.
Our sincere thanks must once again go to our brilliant sponsors, Boardman Bros and Clover Leaf Candles, and to the ladies who prepared the delicious meals on both days.
The humongous T-bone steaks on Saturday evening were the topic of conversation for some time on Sunday morning. The bowling green played very well and we received a number of compliments for the condition of the green, especially as it is now the end of the season and spring treatment is about to begin.
Thanks to the green-keeping staff for a job well done during the tough and dry past season. The golf competition on Saturday afternoon was a Club Sponsored Four-Ball Better-Ball event and the winners were Leon Steenkamp and Pam Sanders with 47 points, with Vincent Black and Vernon Naidoo in second with 44 points, and Gerry Grobler and Rhyk Neethling in third with 43 points.
‘Nearest the Pin’ winners were Vernon Naidoo and Rhyk Neethling, with Corné Stevens, Rhyk Neethling and Vernon Naidoo carding two-clubs.
Our representative winners of the Sanlam Cancer Challenge were away on Sunday for the Regional play-offs. The men were at Prices Grant on the North Coast and the ladies were at Boschhoek in the Midlands. We will report on their progress in next week’s report.
The club’s annual general meeting was held on Thursday and we welcome the new committee: President – Trevor Jacobs, Golf Captain – Wayne Bentley, Bowls President – Pier Turconi, Treasurer – Linda Jacobs, Golf Vice-Captain – Wynand Wessels, Committee members – Corné Stevens and Max Pillay. We wish the committee success in the new year.
This Saturday’s golf competition is Monument Primary School’s sponsored day and Saturday, September 12, is the September Monthly Mug, sponsored by EC Bozza Construction.
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