Wilson Malobolo claims open singles title at Witpoortjie Bowling Club

Free from the burdens of the outside world, trimmed hedges encircle a small corner of tranquility.

The business end of Witpoortjie Bowling Club’s open singles tournament concluded on a frosty Sunday morning, July 18. The competition was an intra-club event that pitted male and female lawn bowlers in an open fight to be the club’s number one. With no sherry or Irish coffees to keep members warm, thick coats, scarves and even a woollen blanket or two dotted the fringes of the green.

After the customary wrangling of the earlier rounds, the final four consisted of two old heads, a bright light shedding his novice tag, and a green and gold standard bearer. Tommy Smith and Shawn McCormick would go end to end in one semi-final, while Werner Diederiks would attempt to slay the Wilson Malobolo dragon in the other.

Each semi turned out to be rather one-sided affairs as both Tommy and Wilson secured their places in the final with strong performances. Tommy would defeat Shawn 21–3 while Wilson would end the rapidly improving Werner’s run through the competition with an unceremonious 21–2 win. In the final, Tommy would keep pace with his illustrious opponent before eventually succumbing 21–15 to the smooth-operating Wilson.

Wrapped head to toe in multiple layers of clothing, Wilson’s bright woods rolled as true as ever across the almost white winter lawns. Currently hitting the books in an effort to further his qualifications, the competition was a welcome distraction from his studies. Always gracious, Wilson collected his trophy, saying, “Well done to everyone, the level at the club is great and everyone is doing their best”.

Soon, the winter will warm and he will have the chance to do it all over again in the sunshine.