Wentworth BC cousin in nail-biting bid for PN novice singles honours
In a gruelling semi-final that saw both bowlers pull some shots worthy of seasoned players the game could have gone either way.
By Cheryl Waterman
WENTWORTH Bowling Club (WBC) welcomes the inaugural Cedar Falls Spur pairs competition which was played on 31 January.
Colin Howes and Sharon de Kock, who paired together, proved to be a formidable combination to take the top spot.
First session prize went to Johan Nel and Margaret Walters. Brian and Paula Osman ended the second session well ahead of their opponents to take those honours.
Ann Bonthrone and Robin de Gouviea shared the 60/40 board spoils and Ann happily packed the raffled whiskey into her bag before leaving. The club thanks Cedar Falls Spur for this sponsorship and Eileen du Plessis who negotiated to secure their support.
Saturday morning, 3 February saw a contingent of Wentworth BC members descend on Durban Bowling Club in support of the two Wentworth novice bowlers, Troy Garland and Brad Claassens. They were competing in the final 16 of the Port Natal novice singles competition. Facing fearsome opposition, the boys held their heads and both won their games to proceed to the quarter-finals. Then the supporters were faced with a dreaded dilemma – they were drawn to play each other to win a place in the semi-finals. The cousins drew an excited band of spectators which included many members from other clubs as they battled for supremacy, neither giving the other the opportunity to run away with the game. In a nail-biting finish, it was Brad who drew the winning shots and secured a semi-final spot.
The band of fans returned to Durban BC on 10 February to support Brad in his quest for the title. In a gruelling semi-final that saw both bowlers pull some shots worthy of seasoned players, the game could have gone either way. Once again Brad thrilled his supporters and found the winning shot to take the game 21 shots to 20 and proceed to the final. Facing a more experienced bowler Brad held his own and played a strategic game that saw both him and his opposition take to the mat on 20 shots in the final end.
This time the winning shot went to his opponent and Brad ended the tournament as runner-up to the novice champion by one shot. Considering that at the start of the tournament the young man had never played a competitive game of singles, his achievement is indeed remarkable. Accolades must go to Joe McNamara who introduced his two grandsons, Brad and Troy to the game of bowls in 2017. The family have made Wentworth Bowling Club proud.
Friday’s Tomasina’s men’s casual bowls was won by Graham Bransby, Norman Webster and Albert van Niekerk who sneaked ahead of Norman Moore and Dave Carroll by one shot. The sportsmen’s prize went to Tom Cloete, Robbie Carr and Johan Nel. Gerald C Royle had the luck of the Irish on his side when he took home both the raffled pork roast and the chickens. Ann Bonthrone and Graham Bransby shared the spoils from the newly refurbished 60/40 board. Thanks are extended to Jo Jo Jordaan for the work she put into the board’s new layout.
Club competitions are in full swing.
Members are reminded to check the board for draws and postings. The women open singles competition starts at 9am on Saturday, 17 February. An appeal is made for the men to assist with the marking to enable all first round games to take to the green together. Wentworth is hosting a section in the Port Natal open singles on Saturday, 24 February. Any members not entered are asked to offer their services as markers. A list is posted to record the willing names.
The Bowls South Africa database is undergoing an audit and BSA requires that all clubs update their information. Forms have been left at the club for members’ attention.
Fundraising is in full swing to help Kearan Lassak and his U15 Port Natal team travel to Bloemfontein to compete in the inter-district competition. Ann Bonthrone has initiated two raffles to assist with this – the first raffle involves the contents of a wheelbarrow of prizes and the second is a leather handbag full of pamper goodies. Members are asked to support this by donating prizes and buying tickets in the raffles.
Get well wishes are extended to Joe McNamara and John Somerville. The club hopes to see them both around soon.
The Wednesday development bowls is gaining momentum as more and more new faces are seen at the club. Lawn bowls is suitable for a wide range of competitors, seniors and youths. Whether a player wishes to become a competitive bowler or simply enjoy the social aspect on the greens, they will be accommodated. Play starts at 2.30pm and participants should be at the club to register their tab. Direct any enquiries to Margaret Walters on 082-961-8538. Experienced bowlers are asked to find the time to assist in these games. Coaching the finer points and etiquette of the game is important and needs to be highlighted in the early stages of play.
The Game Changer’s kitchen prepares its daily specials and regular pub meals on offer to members and visitors. Contact Marike on 071-594-1225 for details.
