The Johannesburg Bowls Association (JBA) Gauteng Open Bowls tournament came to a close at the Morningside Country Club on July 28, with impressive feedback from the club’s bowlers.
The club’s bowling teams clinched gold medals in men’s fours, pairs, singles, and mixed pairs – as well as bronze in the women’s fours.
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The award ceremony afforded an opportunity to speak to singles’ tournament champion Jason Evans on how he focuses on the greens – and how he handles the championship-match jitters.
“It’s probably the experience, more than anything. Having been in the championship situation quite a few times helps,” Evans said. “I’ve been playing for quite a while, I think it’s 30-plus years. You know, playing with good players – like Gerry Baker – you get into a mode where you walk on the green quite calm, as it becomes like a second nature type of thing.”
Evans commented on how he also felt his opponent in the finals had actually done a lot better than the score reflected.
“I got off 21–8 – but I feel it was more of a 21–15; he played well. Look, he’s a newish bowler who’s going to be really good in a couple of years’ time,” Evans reflected. “It’s nice to see youngsters coming through and giving us a run. I don’t want to play him again in a couple of years’ time, because he’s going to be really good.”
Evans concluded by sharing on how he feels when on the greens, bowling.
“Having played a lot of international bowls, having played for South Africa, that helps you in these types of situations,” said Evans. “You get into a happy place, and play your bowls, and try not to let the things around you irritate you. Yeah, it always seems to work.”
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