Bowlers brave weather to conclude tournament

Icy wind added an extra element to the final day of the Vital Engineering Trips tournament on the Benoni Lake Club greens on September 20.

Neither the wind, overcast conditions nor cold snap could stop the bowlers from concluding this fundraising tournament, which started three weeks ago.

But the last day was a nightmare for the players. Not even top district players like Wima Jones, Monica Rudolph, Wilna Booysen and Wilma Richardson were spared.

The cross-wind, blowing hard from Middle Lake, resulted in the bowls swerving in the direction of the wind. It also affected their lines, weight of the bowls and their stance as they went through their deliveries.

“The wind is terrible,” exclaimed Richardson watching a teammate’s ball spin away from the jack.

But Richardson and co forged ahead and as they usually do in such conditions and found a way around the weather to treat the handful of spectators to an enjoyable game of trips.

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Jane van den Hoven, Marion Ciapparelli and Sandie Booysen claimed the tournament honours. Wilna Booysen, Wilma Jones and Ellen Zungu were second and the team of Izak Hattingh, Tokie Hattingh and Sharon Pratt completed the top three.

Lake Club Bowls started this tournament three years ago as a fundraising exercise to keep the club afloat, especially given the country’s tough economic condition.

“Today’s economic climate makes it difficult to get in sponsors. Vital Engineering is sponsoring this tournament for a third straight year. We are grateful,” said organiser Ian Smith.

He thanked the players for braving the weather and supporting the tournament, adding that the proceeds are going to fund the club’s various projects, including the completion of their clubhouse.

“We are very proud. It’s typical of bowlers to come out in whatever weather. They committed to playing for three weeks. To have 66 bowlers at a fundraising event these days is an excellent figure because people don’t have surplus money to enter tournaments. But these players understand that each club has its own fundraising event and the need for it. We all try to support each other.”

Benoni Northerns Sports Club life member Ted Jarvis of Vital Engineering said the success of a tournament like this was good for the community.

“We committed ourselves to sponsoring this tournament with Mike Blackstock, who was the president at the time, three years ago. Unfortunately, Mike passed away but Glen Pringle being a good man he is, has continued supporting it,” said Jarvis.

“We think it’s successful and something good for the community. Everybody sponsors the fancy sports like football, cricket and rugby. So, this is good for the community,” Jarvis added.

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