Over the last three weeks, the North West Province Lawn Bowls League took place across the province. Fochville’s two teams entered the men’s first league and the men’s Premier League. The team in the first league, skipped by Francois van der Merwe, won its section and proceeded to the play-offs, which were played on Saturday, 29 January.
The play-off was against a strong team from Klerksdorp, skipped by Colin de Jager. This game, played over 21 ends, was very closely contested, but Fochville won by a single point in the end. The win earned them the right to the finals in Klerksdorp, against a talented team from Mahikeng.
The final was played in continuous rain but the Fochville team proved much too strong for their worthy opponents.
The final was 35–5 after the match had to be called after only 16 ends.
This win made history, as Fochville now has two teams in the Premier League. Furthermore, Fochville Bowling is very proud of one of its youngest players, Christiaan de Klerk, who has been chosen as the skip for the North West u.20 B side. Christiaan is 16 years old and goes to Fochville High School.
The Inter Districts will be played in Bloemfontein early in March.
Fochville Bowling club also has three players who were chosen for the North West Inter Districts sides. These stars are Francois van der Merwe, Alida Rossouw and Angus McDonald.
Meanwhile, the club will soon hold a Business League, for which all businesses in the area can enter. This league will start on 22 February and continue for about six weeks. Matches will be played at 17:30 for 18:00 every Tuesday.
Each team must have four players, one of whom must be a registered bowler.
The club will provide a registered bowler for teams without one.
Equipment is also available at the club.
For more information, prospective participants should contact Carl De Klerk at 082 568 6952.
