Randburg Bowls Club celebrated the reopening of its greens for the new lawn bowls season with the staging of its 16th Annual International Test Match, a club tradition in which members with international heritage compete against those with South African heritage.

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Following the club’s annual spring treatment programme, members returned to greens that were widely praised for their exceptional condition, providing the perfect stage for one of the club’s most eagerly awaited events.

The International side represented the rich diversity of the club’s membership, with bowlers tracing their heritage to England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Austria, Germany, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia, among many other nations.

The occasion was made even more colourful by competitors embracing their roots, with spectators treated to an eye-catching display of Scottish kilts, German lederhosen, traditional Hungarian attire and what were claimed to be some of the world’s largest leprechauns roaming the greens.

The spectacle added a uniquely international flavour to the day while reinforcing the club’s reputation as a welcoming home away from home for members from all walks of life.

Club president Jason O’Connell said that this is always an eagerly anticipated calendar event for the club, and for many members it is the highlight of the year.

“The competition is always serious and fiercely contested, but it’s the camaraderie and friendship, both during and after the game, that make Randburg so special.”

The South African team entered the contest as defending champions after claiming victory in the previous edition. However, the Internationals arrived determined to reclaim the trophy and add to their impressive historical record.

“We felt sorry for South Africa last year,” joked international co-captain Simon Hancox before the opening bowl was delivered, “but let’s not forget that the Internationals have won nine of the previous 15 contests, and we fully intend to make it 10 out of 16.”

The afternoon was competitive with bowls played in outstanding spirit. Players from both sides complimented the quality of the newly prepared greens, with many remarking on the pleasure of playing on such excellent surfaces.

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The result went right down to the wire: at the conclusion of play, the teams were deadlocked on 12 match points each, forcing the contest to be decided on shot differential. After a tense count, the Internationals emerged victorious, reclaiming the trophy by 111 shots to 89 and securing their 10th victory in 16 editions of the event.

Reflecting on another successful occasion, O’Connell praised both teams and the spirit in which the match was contested. “This event epitomises the special spirit that makes Randburg Bowls Club so unique amongst our members. It is a home away from home, a second family and, for many of us, simply our happy place.”

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