Local bowlers go neck-to-neck with other districts

Ekurhuleni Bowls District (EKB) recently hosted five other districts at Kempton Park Bowling Club, showcasing over 100 up-and-coming bowlers.

For over 20 years, Bowling South Africa has allowed novices and up-and-coming bowlers to participate against each other within each district to showcase their growth and development in the sport.

A novice bowler is a relatively new bowler with less than three years of experience in the sport.

The competition saw five districts and one invited team come face-to-face to showcase their talents on the green at Kempton Park Bowling Club on September 10 and 11.

“The essence of this prestigious bowling event was to identify the future of South African bowling talent within the Gauteng province and build on and improve bowling relationships within the districts. These districts include Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Sables, Vereeniging and Munies (Pretoria) and an invited team,” said Craig Hall, president of the EKB District.

With lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions, Hall said the sport of bowls across the country was impacted detrimentally.

“There were no competitions, thus a lethargic growth of newcomers to the sport during this time. With relief in restrictions, competitions are on the go again, allowing clubs and bowlers to play against each other, growing the sport and the level of excellence,” he explained.

Ekurhuleni District is proud to be the hosts of this year’s annual Colts and Fillies Bowling Competition showcasing up-and-coming talent in the lawn bowls arena.

“The Ekurhuleni District has selected a group of male and female novices from several clubs in the district, including Northmead, Avion, Delville, Alberton, Benoni Country Club, Edenvale, Modderbee, Brackenhurst and Kempton Park to compete against other districts to ultimately have a winner,” explained Hall.

Ekurhuleni fillies comprise an eight-female strong team. This includes skip Sunel Bosman (Edenvale), third Suzette Huyser (Delville), second Penny Leedham (Avion), lead Kerry Lee Bowls (Avion) and skip Karen Jones (Benoni Country Club).

Managed by Adie Crossey, it also consists of third Zuné Waters from Edenvale, second Chantelle Henn (Avion Park) and lead Amanda le Grange (Alberton), with reserve Louise Johnston.

The Colts team, managed by Cecil Behrens, comprises an eight-man team. This includes skip Anthony Stipanou of Avion Park, third Mybert Visser of Modderbee, second Craig Molloy of Brackenhurst and lead Tony Leedham also from Avion Park.

It also comprises Benoni’s skip, Willem Giesing, third Jacques Burger from Avion Park, second Andrew Cockerel of Edenvale and lead Jacques van der Westhuizen of Kempton Park with reserve Ross Brooklyn.

To add a ‘wildcard’ to the tournament, Hall said a group of invited players were included to participate in the tournament.

This included clubs such as Northmead, Modderbee, Boksburg, Brackenhurst and Edenvale.

“The event boasted some superb bowling talent during the two days, as each district engaged in the battle of the best shots. In the end, it was the EKB team who took the cup and brought home the gold with Johannesburg Bowls Association (JBA) District in second place,” said Hall.

Overall results comprised of EKB District with 72 points, JBA District with 68 points, Sables District with 68, Pretoria (BGN Munies) District with 64 points, the invited team with 48 and Sedibeng District with 40.

“Lawn bowls is an incredible sport and requires not just physical skill but a great deal of mental focus and strategy. Ekurhuleni District welcomes individuals and families to participate in the sport and can email us at ekboffice1@gmail.com where you will be referred to a club closest to you,” he said.