BOWLSBANTER
Unlike the previous three weeks of reporting on the bowling activities at our club, this past Tuesday was a perfect day for bowling, lending itself and the greens, to some competitive tabsin competitions.
It did not take long for Peter May’s team of Basil Clark and Nicole van der Merwe to capitalise on this opportunity by winning the vouchers, sponsored by Time 4 Biltong.
Wednesday morning’s novice session had another good turnout and was enjoyed by all who participated. Good to see Don Kelly honing his skills in these sessions, after being laid off for a while due to health reasons.
Thursday saw a near-full house entry to this month’s Personal Trust Trips.
Playing in perfect bowling conditions, on beautifully* prepared greens, the competition got underway just after 1.30pm.
The A green, which had been rested for the last three weeks due to flooding, was on fire, with amazing plays and friendly banter echoing on all the rinks.
The winning Personal Trust Trips team for October was John Hubbard, Brian Shelly, a visitor from Plettenberg Bay, and Wendy Counihan.
Post-bowls, there was great music and the braai fires were roaring.
After thanking Carl Vermeulen (in his absence) for his continued sponsorship, a huge shout-out from the president went to the following members for all their efforts and enthusiasm in making the PTT competition extra special: Dave Thomas, event organiser and prizegiver, Sally Moffat — scorer, Colleen Davy and her team for the yummy side dishes, Peter
Stegmann as fire-master, Andrew Meyer and his team at the bar, and last but most importantly, Michael van der Sandt for his preparation of the greens after the recent flooding.
We are also very pleased to advise that Phil Gilfillan has stepped up to assist Michael with the greenkeeping. Thank you very much, Phil!
Unfortunately, due to further rains during the weekend, there was no bowling to report on.
In closing, one can only feel hugely proud of our country’s Proteas and the Bokke’s achievements over England this past weekend, making it a double whammy for all sport-loving supporters.
Now for the rugby finals this weekend in Paris, and further playoffs in India for the Proteas.
“Stronger together,” without a doubt!
KENTON
One could spare a thought for the English in their disappointment as one could for skip David Freeme and his team last Wednesday in the Continental Restaurant competition.
David and team on 10 +16 seemed home and dry but then Willie Basson and team carded a 10 + 23.
So near and yet so far as David and the English team must be saying. Thanks to the Continental for again bringing out the best in everyone.
Friday was the Personal Trust Trips Competition — 20 teams playing on two greens, where the frontrunners were again only separated by one point after 10 ends when the rains came down cutting down the competition to only five more ends.
Wickus van Schalkwyk, Gert, Immelman and Alison Nisbet on 20 + 25 triumphed.
The rain did nothing to dampen the festive atmosphere.
The whisky draw was won by Mike Johnson and Mikey Bates turned over the joker and took the jackpot.
Thank you, Personal Trust, for sponsoring this highlight event.
There was no bowling on Saturday because now the rains had really come to the plains.
There was, however, much merriment in the clubhouse watching the Proteas cricket team make this Saturday one of the most memorable for SA ‘victories over the English’ in both rugby and cricket.
No bowls column for Port Alfred this week, as regular columnist Brian McLean is off until next week.