Favourites toppled in men’s trips

IN the only club competition played at Wanderers Bowling Club during the past week, odds on favourites in the men’s drawn trips met an inglorious defeat to the tune of 7-22 by a threesome who, on paper, were the undoubted underdogs.

Men’s A team league players Arnie Harper and Anthony Carr assisted by Jeff Cronje came up against B, C, and D side players Robin Grobler, Chris Kloppers and Jeff Bolt and never quite knew what hit them. All three played out of their skin, with particular flair and skill displayed by Jeff Bolt.

That’s two unexpected losses in a row for Arnie Harper as he lost to Errol Pienaar in the men’s handicap singles last week as well. Ah well, there’s always next year.

Rainy conditions put paid to scheduled matches on Saturday afternoon when greenkeeper Lionel De La Rey ruled the greens too soggy to handle bowls traffic. This means that club comps are now seriously behind and members are urged to make every effort to get their outstanding matches played.

Sunday morning’s breakfast trips did get underway, however, and the organisers thank all those who donated extra funds to swell the prizes and sponsor singer Sharon who provided music afterwards, making the Christmas trips a very special occasion.

Stella Park visitors Titch and Yvonne won the first 60/40 board spoils, and Honey Kitchenbrand and Mitch Mitchley shared the second one.

Eric Kitchenbrand won the Christmas cake raffle and Val McCaffrey won the whisky raffle. Titch, Geoff Atkins and Yvonne won the first session, and Colin Howes, Gordon Chislett and Sharon De Kok took second session.

Coming second overall were son and father Terrence and Pat McGlynn aided by Nicola Bauristhene. The overall winners – and not for the first time – were the trio of Jumbo Nel, Dave Swanson and William Richardson. Terry Brown kindly donated the drawn prizes which went to Hennie Geldenhuys (skip), Russell Shepherd (second) and Neville Horner (lead).

Upcoming events: Wednesday, 11 December is the Roadrunner’s pairs, and Sunday, 15 December is the fours, skins competition with prizes going to nearly every team.

Call Bob Hayward on 076-403-2265 to enter either of these events.

Also watch this space for announcements of late Friday afternoon mixed trips competition coming up. Of special interest is the extremely popular pub quiz coming up this Friday, 13 December at Vic’s bar at 7pm, after the snowball and meat draw. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Teams are allowed as many players as you want but only four players per side will receive a prize, so get your foursome side together. The first three teams and the last team will get a prize. Entry is free and food will be on sale from the new kitchen. Compere is Eric ‘reds’ Redman. There will be 60 questions from 12 different categories.

If any team of four gets all 60 questions correct, they will receive free membership for 2014/2015.

Music will follow after the prize giving. Get your seats early to avoid disappointment

Last week’s snowball of R800 was not won as John Thomassen was not present when his membership number was drawn.

The various meat pack winners were: Festive pack, Haley Mackay; chicken pack, Eric Kitchenbrand; rump steak, Clive Symons; pork, Cave James; chicken, Mike Flack.

The club wishes club manager Shaun McAlister a speedy recovery and full healing. He had a nasty fall down some stairs and sustained broken ribs. He was admitted to Entabeni Hospital where X-rays were taken and the prognosis was not too rosy. He may be out of bowls for quite some time.

Snippet: According to GWF Hegel: “Nothing great in the world has been achieved without passion.”

I’m sure we could all benefit from these words of wisdom when applying them to every aspect of our lives, whether in the workplace or at home, on the playing field, in the kitchen, bedroom or boardroom. Passion is contagious, sparks an excitement in people, and brings about wondrous developments.