Jivi’s perfect 300 seals first tenpin victory

THIS weekend saw the commencement of the KwaZulu-Natal tenpin bowling season, with the first qualifying tournament being bowled at Dolphin Bowl on Saturday and Sunday.

This tournament attracted 40 of the top provincial bowlers and the scores reflected the talent on display.

High game of the tournament went to youngster Jivi Sewcharran, who showed his prestigious talent by bowling the perfect 300 game, much to the disappointment of his opponents.

But back to the beginning, two squads of 10 bowlers commenced and at the halfway point the ‘scratch’ division was being dominated on the male side, by the team of Andrew Cyster and Monty Cordingley with a 208 average. The women leaders were Bronwen Elbourne and Stacey-lee Hooper on 194.5 average. The masters (+50-years-old) division was led by Collin Farrow and Ricky O’Hare on 182.5 on the men’s side and Gwen Hayward and Jenny Swanepoel on 173.3 for the women.

Sunday dawned and the teams entered the arena ready for battle and no quarter was asked, nor given. Despite some great bowling, the overnight leaders managed to hang on to the lead established over the first five games and emerged worthy winners of the tournament.

Scratch winners: Men, Andrew and Monty overall 202 average, from Pierre du Plooy and Stephan Sleigh 195 and Dylan van Berkel and Theolin Govender 194.0.

Women: Bronwen and Stacey-Lee on 192.5 followed by Belinda Booysen and Michelle Groves.

Masters men: Collin and Ricky on 178.4 followed by Brian Daventry-Bull and Colin Hayward on 178.3 (only 42 pins difference over 20 games).

Women: Gwen and Jenny on 170.8 followed by Louisa Nienaber and Julie Foley on 170.6 and Lorraine Brasier and Suki Studzinski on 160.7.

In terms of high scores, the men managed 19 games in excess of 225, including Jivi’s 300, while the women managed 12 games over 200.

In other events happening in the ‘Bowl’, the first monthly meat competition attracted 14 entries and was won by newcomer Fiona Kleynhans, +51 from Judy +45 and Ron +33, while highest scratch went to Ricky O’Hare.

Monday league standings after two weeks shows extreme outsiders leading the pack, with High Five showing a clean pair of heels to the other teams.

It remains to be seen whether they have the stamina to go the distance. Many dispute this but they are adamant that they can stay the course. Wednesday league is more settled, with the husband-and-wife team of Jan and Santa Els in the lead. Thursday sees Pinky-and-the-Brain leading from Master Blasters and Indian Kings.

High scores for the week are as follows: Len Elbourne 266 and 256; Dylan van Berkel 240, 236 and 224; Logan Naidoo 237.

Morne de Wet 234, Ryan Marsburg 236. Women: Bronwen Elbourne 226, 214 and 202; Lorraine Brasier 208; Gwen Hayward 206, 206 and 202 and Suki Studzinski 200. In a new development, the staff have started their own league and after one week, the standings are: First Chris van Wyk, second Neels du Toit, third Alicia Coetzee.

There are only three more weeks left to qualify for the first swipe card tournament of the year. Check the notice board for details. February monthly meat is to be held on Sunday, 23 February.