Women’s bowling team keep flag flying as men battle elements

Shield last won by ladies team nine years ago

The Eastern Areas men’s district team managed fifth spot in the interdistricts tournament played at Comrades Club in East London over the long weekend.

The men got off to a good start on Friday September 22, with three teams winning their match-ups.

On Saturday, only one of the teams managed a win and were defeated in two other games.

The heavens opened on Sunday before having to rush to finish the shortened tournament on Monday September 25 as the inclement weather continued.

The Inter Regional Mini Districts Tournament brings together talent from Border and EP every year, with seasoned district bowls players spread across the various teams.

The competing men’s and ladies teams (separate tournaments in August and September) are from East London, Gqeberha, North Eastern Districts, Ciskei, the Frontier region, Midlands and Eastern Areas.

The Eastern Areas team comprises players from Kowie, Port Alfred, Kenton, Albany and Makhanda.

Despite the disappointment of seeing the men’s team coming in fifth in difficult weather conditions and a shortened tournament, the Eastern Districts ladies’ team are still on a high after winning the tournament last month, at the

same club. The team of Jackie Kriel, Judy Alexander, Evie Swanepoel and Megan Kriel (all from Kowie), Annemarie Calitz, Gwen Bartlett, Marlene Mitchener (all from Albany) and Cecelia Immelman (Kenton) were the winners of the Mini Districts shield, last won by an Eastern Districts ladies’ team nine years ago.

To top this achievement Calitz, Immelman, Bartlett and Mitchener achieved second place overall.

One of their members,

Christa von Gericke, said the ladies’ win was inspired by team work and a “new look”.

“It was decided the ladies needed a ‘new look’ and a new shirt was designed, with BUCO sponsoring eight shirts.

“Build it sponsored trolley bags, and the enthusiasm and vibe between our two teams was fantastic.

“The ladies and men’s teams were sponsored tracksuit jackets from the regional branch of SUPERSPAR and Rosehill SPAR,” said Von Gericke.

Pictures: SUPPLIED WORTHY WINNERS: The proud Eastern District Ladies’ team . with the Mini Districts shield they won in East London last month. Back, from left, are Gwen Bartlett, Cecilia Immelman, Evie Swanepoel and Megan Kriel. Front, from left, are Annemarie Calitz, Marlene Mitchener, Judy Alexander (president) and Jackie Kriel.