Green closure keeps Wentworth BC abuzz as bowls continues

By Cheryl Waterman

WITH one of the greens at Wentworth Bowling Club closed for essential maintenance, competition entries had to be cut down for bowlers to be accommodated on the available rinks.

Rain also played its part and caused the postponement of competitions scheduled for last week.

Friday dawned clear and sunny, allowing participants in the Bluff Meat Supply Men’s bowls to take to the greens to do battle for prizes. This week’s champions were Errol Pienaar, Claude Newman and Johan Nel who managed to amass a score of plus 30. Herby Roux celebrated his return to Durban by securing second place with Coy Schrauwen and Tom Cloete.

Sportsmen’s prize went to Brian Smith, Rajen and Henry Welgemoed. Kurt Spack and Graham Bransby were the winners of the two drawn raffles and Jumbo Nel and Maria Cavanagh were the happy first prize winners on the 60/40 boards.

Tom and Jerry Cloete won both second prizes.

The regular Friday bowlers are reminded that their annual Christmas lunch will be held after bowls on Friday, 8 December.

The club extends sincere thanks to Tomcat and Maria Cavanagh for their dedication to this weekly tournament and their assiduous maintenance of the funds accumulated through their efforts. The men’s pensioner fund came to the club’s rescue three times during 2017 by contributing the costs required to complete the perimeter wall at the club, repair the septic tank and purchase new lawnmowers and other vital equipment for green maintenance. Tomcat and Maria’s allegiance and commitment to the club are much appreciated.

Bowlers waited with bated breath, hoping for the sun to rise on Sunday morning to allow for the playing of the Grand Rapid Spur Big Jim pairs. They were rewarded with a cloudless day and the greens were open for play.

The new pairs combination of Ann Bonthrone and Matthew Lassak showed the field a clean pair of heels and took top spot on the podium. In second place were Thys Moolman and JJ Jonker. Phil Hill and Neville Dolley did enough in the second session to secure that prize. Spider Williams and Jumbo Nel shared the spoils from the 60/40 board and Kitty Schaeffer left the club with the raffled roast beef securely tucked under her arm. With the last Sunday of December falling on New Year’s Eve, the competition will not be held. The next Grand Rapid Big Jim pairs will be held on 28 January 2018.

The last of the Chicken Shack pairs competitions will be played on Wednesday, 27 December at 9am. Sincere thanks are extended to Dave Nielsen and the Chicken Shack for their sponsorship of this monthly tournament. Sadly the forced closure of the restaurant due to extensive storm damage means this sponsorship is no longer available.

A new sponsor will be sourced to ensure the continuation of this popular competition.

On Thursday morning the monthly Rawsons Properties breakfast trips will be played at 9am. Play is preceded by a hearty breakfast so bowlers are reminded to get to the club early to partake in this.

Again, the club thanks Mike Jansen and his team at Rawsons Properties for their support. It has become so popular that the entry form every month shows a list of teams in reserve, waiting for a game.

Condolences are extended to Bridget White, Dave and Paul following the death of Bridget’s mother, Elaine. Elaine was a loyal friend of Wentworth Bowling Club and enjoyed many social events with the members.

With the silly season approaching, members are asked to take care on the roads and keep their wits about them when travelling.

Any members of the community wishing to try their hand at the game of bowls are invited to attend the development bowls on a Wednesday afternoon. Bowls is a game for people of any age and is an activity that can be mastered from a young age. Play starts at 2.30pm.

The Game Changer’s kitchen will prepare their daily specials and the regular pub meals on offer to members and visitors. Contact Marike on 071-594-1225 for further details.