Ray Turner becomes Johannesburg Bowls Association Masters Champion
In a groundbreaking achievement, Ray Turner claimed the Veterans title at the Johannesburg Bowls Association Masters, marking a historic first for the Randburg Bowls Club.
In a display of skill and dedication, Ray Turner has etched his name in the annals of local sports history by becoming the first-ever champion of the Johannesburg Bowls Association Masters from Randburg Bowls Club.
The tournament was held at Morningside Country Club and is an invitation-only tournament, where the top 12 women and men bowlers in the open and the veteran categories are invited to participate. The field is an elite field with many international bowlers amongst the contestants.
Turner’s crowning moment came on the weekend of August 10 and 11 when he secured the veterans title, which was a victory that highlights his exceptional abilities and brings immense pride to the Randburg Bowls Club, where he is a beloved member.
This historic win is the culmination of years of hard work and passion for the sport. Turner’s journey to the top of the Masters tournament was anything but easy, requiring him to face off against some of the most experienced and skilled bowlers in the region. Despite the fierce competition, Turner remained composed and focused, demonstrating the technical precision and strategic thinking that have become his trademarks on the green.
After a weekend of tough bowling Ray emerged as the gold medal winner, beating some long-established provincial bowlers along the way. In the final, he beat Nic Techman from Bedfordview Bowls Club, who received the silver medal.
On being asked how he felt about being invited, Turner said, “I am extremely proud and honoured to be invited to represent Randburg at this prestigious tournament; all I want to achieve is not to make a fool of myself.”
In another honour for the Randburg Bowls club, it was honoured for its excellent coaching setup, and its contribution to junior bowls of which Randburg is the hub.
The President of Randburg Bowls Club Deon Botha, beaming with pride, said, “our development programme is starting to bear fruit, Randburg is now truly a club that caters for everybody young and old, and social or competitive bowls.” The results can be seen with the club having bowlers representing it in more and more quarter-finals and beyond, including receiving a bronze medal for the men’s fours category in the recent Bowls South Africa men’s national championships, recently held in May.
On Turner’s success Botha said, “what a stalwart Ray is. Not only did he do well in the Nationals, and got to the quarter-finals in the National singles and won a bronze medal in skipping the men’s fours, but he has been playing bowls of a consistently high standard for several years.”
Turner’s win is not just a personal triumph but a milestone for the Randburg Bowls Club and the broader bowls community in Johannesburg. It represents the heights that can be achieved through determination, community support, and the love of the game.
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