Amanzimtoti bowler wins gold at tournament
Although not initially being selected to play in the Port Natal Veteran Masters’ tournament, Alec Nel pulled off a remarkable win.
AMANZIMTOTI Bowling Club’s (ABC) Alec Nel recently won the three-day Port Natal Veteran Masters’ tournament on his home greens.
The Port Natal district selected eight top players as well as 16 others to qualify for the other eight places. The format was the first to 21 points. After three days of games, the winners of Group One and Group Two faced off in the final.
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“Someone withdrew from the tournament, and I was asked to step in, qualifying by the skin of my teeth. With one game left to go, I was placed third. Two people had to lose, and I needed a big score if I had any shot at getting to the final – which is exactly how it played out,” he said.
In the final, Nel went up against one of the best players and ultimately emerged as the champion. He received a trophy and a gold medal.
“I found the line quicker than him and managed to win by quite a margin. I was very excited because it was unexpected, especially since I originally wasn’t even going to take part in the tournament. I played good bowls, and against some of the best in the province,” he said.
He joined ABC about three years ago after moving to Amanzimtoti from Rustenburg where he played district.
“Since joining, I planned to just play socially and for fun, but when I was invited for the qualifying masters, I decided to join and did not expect this to be the outcome,” said Nel.
He has been playing since 1990 and loves the competitiveness and social side of the game, as well as the camaraderie and being out in the fresh air.
“It’s a game for all ages; my young grandchildren now love the sport. It’s also a sport that my wife and I bond over, sometimes even together in the mixed-pairs divisions,” said Nel.
He is currently preparing for the upcoming league games.
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