Bryanston, Linden, Old Parks and Randburg Bowling Club participants put their best feet forward during the annual tournament, the Canary Cup, at Pirates Bowls Club on February 8.

Pirates committee member, Steve Delany, said that the tournament has been taking place since the mid ‘90s.

“It’s a social and enjoyable tournament, which is very rare in Johannesburg. The participants are made up of three-quarters of the same group every year.” Delany added that the tournament was special this year because it was won by a Pirates bowler.

“Another important aspect is that it’s also a mixed tournament where women are welcome. In today’s tournament, approximately 12 women were part of the 36 participants.”

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Karen Thomson, who was the only woman in the semi-finals, said she was proud of her performance.

“This was my third time participating in this tournament and my first time coming this far. For someone who’s been bowling for 15 years, I am proud of myself.”

The Canary Cup winner, Francois Loots, said he was motivated to win due to the support he was shown throughout the tournament.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Pirates Club bowler Francois Loots and Bryston Sports Club bowler Gianni Rech battle it for the Canary Cup. Video: Asanda Matlhare #caxtonlocalmedia #News #Community #Localnews #SA #2026 #johannesburg #Fyp #sportsnews #Bowling ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North

“It’s my fourth year of doing the tournament, and my first big win. I have won a few in-house competitions, but this is the first big one, and I am happy.”

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