The KZNCB Masters Singles Championships was hosted last weekend by Newcastle Bowling Club, with a field of 12 men and 12 ladies selected from the District to play in this annual event.
As expected, competition was very tight with each player trying to get the better of their opponent and no player finished their five sectional games unbeaten. In the ladies’ competition, Samantha Shaw won her section (eight points + 23) by beating the previously unbeaten Ronel Greef (Richards Bay) in the last game of sectional play.
Veronica Malan (Klipbank eight + 20) was runner up with Ronel just behind on (eight + 18). The other section was also a closely fought contest with the section winner making it despite dropping two games. Barbara Baleri (Klipbank six + 26) won the section with Nan Roos (Dundee) and Sharon Nichol (Empangeni), finishing second, both on (six + 14).
In the final Samantha and Barbara were neck and neck for a while, before Barbara edged ahead and maintained her lead to annex the title, after previously been runner up on two occasions.
The men’s sections were just as close with section A being decided on the last round of sectional play. Braam van Zyl (Harrismith) and Barry Mutlow (Richards Bay) were both in contention with only two shots separating them going into the last round. Barry lost his game to Tony de Pooter (Volksrust) whilst Braam suffered his first loss against Trevor Douthwaite (Newcastle) but still won his section (eight + 19) with Barry the runner up (six + 17). Section B was won by John Douthwaite (Newcastle eight + 36), with Phillip Scheepers (Vryheid eight + 10) who earlier beaten John, finishing in second place. Braam was first off the mark in the final and appeared to have a comfortable lead before John clawed his way back into the game. At 18 – 18 it was anyone’s game. John then scored a single and a brace to take the title for the first time after many years of trying!
The FedAuto Summer Business League got under way last Thursday evening with 38 teams enjoying this fun format of the game. Many new teams were welcomed and the next eight weeks promise to provide much enjoyment to the participating teams.
The Northern’s zone mixed pairs will be played in Dundee this weekend with a number of Newcastle teams competing – good bowling all!
