Banners bowlers cook up a storm
Pam tends to shy away from too much attention being focused on her achievements, instead preferring to talk about the club and other players.
The South Coast is home to some fantastic bowlers, a number of whom have represented the province and country at various levels.
One of these is Pam Cole-Cook, late to the party in some ways, finally have been selected to represent South Africa seniors after some two decades of elite level bowling.
She is a member at Banners Rest, and together with her clubmates, has enjoyed quite the season so far.
Banners Rest won the All Natal Fours against Richards Bay fairly recently, a wonderful achievement for Amelia Pieterse (lead), Janet Venter (second) and Amanda Visser (third) and Pam (skip).
Banners Rest also won the KBA Saturday 1st League this year.
This was remarkable as they have only recently gained promotion.
The team comprised Pam Cole-Cook, Vi Pells and Jessica Henderson, and Janet Venter, Amelia Pieterse and Amanda Visser.
Banners Rest also won the fours league, so it’s been a good season for Hazel Delaney, Denise de Witt, Nicky Hearne and Edith Button, as well.
Meanwhile, Pam has been selected by Bowls South Africa to play for the seniors team at The Atlantic Senior Fours in Cyprus from December 1 to 12 this year.
It’s a huge honour for her as she has finally gained recognition after years of consistent performances.
She will play as second in the mixed fours and third in the ladies’ fours.
Pam tends to shy away from too much attention being focused on her achievements, instead preferring to talk about the club and other players.
Her club mates however, are full of admiration for her.
“She’s a machine,” said Nicky Hearne. “She can draw onto a jack to within a blade of grass.”
Pam’s approach is uncomplicated. “Stick to my skills and believe,” she said.
“It’s great to be acknowledged after nearly two decades of playing competitive bowls.”
It will also be the first time out of the country for her, unless you count trips to Swaziland!
Pam has previously competed at the SA Masters and SA Seniors Masters, so has much experience playing at an elite level.
Locally, she has won countless titles, including the districts singles.
“Club comes first,” she said, again trying to deflect attention and talk instead about Nicky, who at nearly 89, was a member of the team that won the 4th League and also a recent club champion at Banners Rest.
Two other bowlers from KZN will also be going, namely John Connellan and Glenda Matthews, both from Stella Park BC, so she won’t be the only one from KwaZulu-Natal.
Pam is really looking forward to the trip and the opportunity to test her skills against international opponents.
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