Wanderers Bowls Club came together on October 24 for a final practice session ahead of the 2026/2027 JBA Saturday League, which will start on October 31.

With five teams entered in the competition, the session gave players an opportunity to test team combinations, assess their compatibility on the green and prepare for the challenges of the new season.

Chairperson Janis Fluxman said the club expected 32 players to represent Wanderers in the league, with a further nine members available as reserves.

The club is aiming to retain its place in the Premier League while also targeting strong finishes across its other teams.

“Our expectations for the coming season are for the Premier side to stay in the Premier League, because this is only their second year there,” Fluxman said.

Aiming for Premier League survival

The club is also hoping to finish in the top half of the league with its ladies’ team, while the men’s and open teams will also aim to perform strongly.

The club’s bowls captain and Saturday League selection convenor, Richard Bucher, said the selection process considered both players’ abilities and their compatibility within a team.

The club invited members interested in playing on Saturday afternoons to put their names forward, after which selectors assessed the combinations best suited to each league category.

“We always hope to win and play our best, and that is the name of the game. We also hope to enjoy every single game. But most of all, we don’t want to be relegated, so we will fight vigorously to reach as high as we can,” Bucher said.

He added that competing against players from other clubs and districts gave members an opportunity to assess their abilities against a wider field.

Ladies’ bowls captain Rochelle Marsden said the practice session was important for getting players match-ready and rebuilding the teams ahead of the new season.

Marsden said the club wanted to remain competitive while ensuring players enjoyed the sport and built friendships on and off the green.

She added that she hoped to contribute to the team and help Wanderers enjoy a successful season.

Selectors focus on team cohesion

Max Hurwitz, one of the selectors and an experienced bowler who has competed internationally, said the practice session was designed to assess team combinations and prepare players mentally and physically for the competition.

He said success would require commitment, teamwork, discipline and a positive attitude, with players expected to represent the club with pride and demonstrate good sportsmanship.

For club treasurer Myer Guinsberg, the appeal of competitive bowls extends beyond results:
“The camaraderie is unbelievable. You are constantly under pressure to do well, especially in competitions you are selected to represent the Bowls Club,” he said.

The practice session also marked the opening of the D Green. Fluxman delivered the first wood, followed by Victor Radebe, who delivered the second.

As the league season gets underway, Wanderers will look to combine its preparations and team spirit with consistent performances as its players take to the greens.

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