Champions’ showdown in Ladysmith
Playing in cold and wet conditions on Saturday, in sections of three or four, the field was whittled down to section winners to play in the semi-finals and finals on Sunday.
NEWCASTLE – The Champion of Champions competition, hosted at Klipbank Bowling Club in Ladysmith last weekend, saw the men’s and women’s champions from bowling clubs affiliated to the KwaZulu-Natal Country Bowling District get together, to determine the KZNCB champion.
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Not all clubs sent winners through, which led to a slightly reduced field.
Playing in cold and wet conditions on Saturday, in sections of three or four, the field was whittled down to section winners to play in the semi-finals and finals on Sunday.
In the women’s competition, Alice Howe (Newcastle) had a titanic battle against Essel Schoeman (Richards Bay), before winning 21-20, to move into the final against Annelie du Preez (Harrismith), who had earlier beaten Helga de Wet (Empangeni).
In the final, Annelie got off to a quick start in bitterly cold and wet conditions, to lead 12 to five.
Alice then rallied, showing great resilience in fighting back to level the score, and then surge ahead to win 21-13.
In one of the men’s semi-finals, Barry Mutlow (Richards Bay) played against 13-year-old Nkanyiso Mbambo (Estcourt).
Despite losing 13-21, young Nkanyiso showed much potential and is a name to watch for in the future.
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In the other semi-final, Bertus van Vreden (Piet Retief) beat VJ Singh (Klipbank) by 21 points to 16, to set up the final against Barry.
Initially, an even tussle ensued with the score nine-seven in Barry’s favour on the 10th end.
Bertus then seemed to lose his weight control, allowing Barry to control the game to a 21-12 win.
Congratulations to Alice and Barry.
A Heritage Day competition will be played at the Newcastle Bowling Club on Saturday morning, beginning at 8.45am.
Players are encouraged to dress in traditional gear, with prizes going to the best dressed male and female.
A bring and braai will follow.
