Tragedy mars Masters bowling competition
The tragic news of the sad death of one of the competitors in the Emerging Masters competition on Saturday night, saw a subdued huddle of bowlers gather at the club on Sunday morning.
Burnt End
The tragic news of the sad death of one of the competitors in the Emerging Masters competition on Saturday night, saw a subdued huddle of bowlers gather at the club on Sunday morning.
Franco Lepera, a much-loved member of Estcourt Bowling Club, died of a suspected heart attack during the course of the night at his host’s home.
Franco was a respected bowler, having represented his District in the B Tournament for a number of years, as well as his zone, Midlands, for many years.
His fun-loving attitude and endearing smile will be missed by all bowlers who knew him, and all at Newcastle Bowling Club extend their deepest sympathies to his extended family and friends.
In honour of Franco, the participating bowlers agreed to continue with the competition, to bring it to a conclusion.
Coming in as a late replacement, Newcastle’s Marie Botha made the most of the opportunity to win her section (8+19), followed by Vryheid’s Ilva Zoepritz (6+13).
Sharon Nicoll from Empangeni BC (8+17) won Section B, with Essel Schoeman (Richards Bay; 6+16) in second place.
In the men’s division, Tony de Pooter (Volksrust; 8+12) won Section A, with 15-year-old Alwyn Martignone (Pongola; 6+16) in a creditable second place.
Section B was contested by two unbeaten players in the section, Sid Price of Newcastle and Russell Morgan of Richards Bay, the winner of their game being the decider.
With a lead of 16-8, it appeared as if Sid was cantering to victory, but a late surge by Russell saw him claw his way back into contention, to draw level at 18-all.
Excellent bowling shots by both players then saw them draw level again at 20-all, before Russell clinched the winning shot to take the section (10+32), with Sid finishing a close second (8+30).
All four section winners now qualify to play in the main Masters competition, to be played at the end of January in Newcastle.
The FedAuto Spring Business League comes to an end this Thursday evening, with the final round to be played between the teams in each of the two sections.
Teams playing in the final round and playing for the main prizes will be: Pensioners versus Mag Repairs; King Cool vs Melo’s; Hope High vs The Mexicans; and Dozy Dudes vs Vicky’s Vixens.
Playing for the honour of bottom place will be Veros Blue Stars and Nashua Maluti Marauders.
Good bowling all.
