Lofty takes Brad Cox trophy

THE second semi-final of the Brad Cox tournament which took place on 27 December between Lofty van Tonder and Doreen Salmond, turned out to be a riveting contest for the large crowd of spectators on Amanzimtoti Bowling Club’s veranda.

After six ends Lofty was 8-1 up, but Doreen fought back and was leading after 10 ends.

The game was then a very even affair, and no clear winner could be predicted. After 24 ends the contest was peeled on 19 shots each, however Lofty prevailed and took the two shots needed to win on the next end. This match set the stage for the final and 3rd and 4th place play-offs played on 3 January.

Doreen Salmond was on form in the play-offs, and beat Adie Fuller 21-3 in a decisive game. However, the final itself was a much closer contest between Nita and Lofty, and after 11 ends the score was peeled on eight all. Then Lofty gradually added to his score and after 21 ends, he emerged as victor with the final score being 21-11. Well done to all players for some very entertaining bowls.

Thanks to Brad Cox for generously sponsoring this wonderful tournament. Lofty was the first player to hold the trophy aloft along with his prize money of R1,000. Nita as runner-up won R750, third placed Doreen received R250 and Adie in fourth place won R150. This tournament will be played again next year. Brad’s sponsorship is gratefully appreciated.

There was a good turnout for the last Big Chicks competition of 2014. Well done to winners Neil Oberholzer, Vince Phaal, Trevor Dempsey and Di Robinson. Runners-up were Gerald Chalder-Royle, Amanda Ninow, Das Veldsman and Bernie Bretherton. Keeping it in the family in third place were Pam Chalder-Royle, Jeanne Alexander, Betty Sawyer and Shawn Sutherland. First session went to Les John, Doug Walton, Jean Snyman and William Sithole and the second session was won by Alan McGregor, Brian Crause, Jeff van Belkum and Linda McGregor. The popular most bowls team was Gustav Somers, Peter and Gaynor Snyman and Leon van Rensburg; and the lucky 13th prize went to Jerry Gertzen, Neville Roscoe, Nita Meumann and Danny van der Westhuizen. The 100 board winners were Mickey Roche, Yvonne Hooper, Neville Roscoe, Jackie Holdrick and Neil Oberholzer.

Thanks as always to the generosity of sponsors Jerry Gertzen, Gladys Hughes, Brian Pascoe and Vince Marriot, and also to Talla and Lesley and kitchen staff and Colin behind the bar, and to Dave Gardner for his organisation.

At the first TGIF of the new year, Leonie Mills won the 100 board. In the attendance draw Bill Laing’s social member number was drawn; however as he was not present the prize next week will be R150. Glen Scorgie’s key was drawn in the key draw, but sadly it did not fit. Next week’s lucky key is worth around R4,000.

Jeff van Belkum was the winner of men’s scroungers, with Mike Roberts in second place and Herman van Zyl coming third. Greg McLeod won plate A, and Ian Crouch took plate B.

Note that the first barflies day at ABC will take place from 8.30am on 11 January. This competition was very popular at Umbogintwini BC, and it is hoped it will be a huge success once again. Bowls are available for non-bowlers who want to have a go at this fantastic game. Full details of barflies can be found separately in this newspaper.

The women are to note the list for inter-club league is on the board. New bowlers are encouraged to put their names down as these games are played at various levels. Lists are also up for Port Natal trips and club pairs and handicap singles. PN trips list is also on the board for the men. Note the fees for potato trips at R240 per team are now due.

The club wishes Steve Evenwel, Johan van der Westhuizen, Peter Snyman and Shawn Sutherland good bowling on Saturday, 10 January in the first round of PN novice singles at Durban Bowling Club.

Belated new year birthday wishes go to Neil Oberholzer, Jacqui Fouché, Jenny Delport, Cynthia Fountain, Mike Roberts and Eileen Ambler. And happy returns this coming week to Ken Crowe, Dot Roering, Kokkie de Kock, Jeff van Belkum, Robyn Hutton and Guelfo Cobianchi. And finally the club wishes all members a happy and healthy 2015.