BOWLSBANTER
PORT ALFRED
It was with sadness that bowlers and croquet players of this club learnt of the death of Mel Schultz while she and her husband Wim were visiting family in KwaZuluNatal last week. Mel died following a heart attack. Mel and Wim were both bowlers until turning their attention to croquet.
The club flag was flown at half mast on Saturday, followed by a minute’s silence later in the clubhouse. Our thoughts are with Wim and his family.
Other sad news was the passing of Settlers Park resident and Kowie bowler, Don Kelly who died on Friday last week. Rest in peace, Don.
The first and second rounds of the Ryan Cup were played last Wednesday, with a wonderful number of bowlers having entered. Some extremely good play was witnessed, with the various winners set to play the next two rounds this Wednesday.
The first round of the Timm and Moore Shield is to be played on Thursday February 1 against Kowie at the Kowie BC, while several teams from this club have entered the Kenton GBSsponsored day this coming Saturday. The event was washed out last year but 36 trips teams have now entered. Let’s hope the weather holds. A reminder of the
Cancer Challenge, also to be held at the Kenton BC on February 8.
In addition, the Eastern Areas Mixed Pairs is set for February 1718 with four teams having so far entered from this club. The event is to be played at the Albany BC.
Lastly, the Eastern Areas AGM is to be held at the Kenton Bowling Club on February
21, with Trevor Frost representing this club.
KOWIE
Due to the player-friendly weather during the week, the club had good turnouts on all three bowling days, including Wednesday’s novice golden oldie practice session.
Tuesday was a good tabs day for Judy Alexander and her team of Gill Armstrong and “Smokey” Fleming, as they dominated play on the day, and were worthy winners of the “Niche” meal vouchers.
Wednesdays have turned into fun mornings, where all the attendees participate in a fun 10end game where etiquette and the basics are focused on by the facilitator. It is pleasing to see the improvement of some players as they hone their skills to ensure that when they do step up to play tabs competitions, they will make a positive contribution to the team.
As mentioned previously,
Thursday’s turnout was splendid.
The team that took the Rosehill Spar-sponsored vouchers and bragging rights for the afternoon, was that of Andrew Meyer and his team of Jacques Moolman, Yonnie Hill, and the talented novice, David Johnson.
After prize-giving, a huge fire was lit, and the members were invited to enjoy a braaied “boerieroll” and sauce which was provided for those who were hungry after the day’s play. For the record, the club plans to have similar evenings again soon.
To encourage new players to join our club, Saturday’s tabs in was called, “bring a buddy day” where members were requested to invite a friend of theirs to come and enjoy the afternoon on the bowling greens with them.
It turned out to be a huge success, and hopefully some of the “buddys” will want to join as
members in the future.
The winning team for the afternoon was that of Peter May, Peter Ford, and “buddy” Greg Thomas.
On a more sombre note, the club lost another very dear friend over the weekend, when Don Kelly lost his battle after being ill for quite some time. The club will miss his positive attitude and especially his sense of humour.
Deepest condolences to his family and friends. There will be a requiem mass for him at St James Catholic church on Thursday afternoon (today) at 3pm. Club members are requested to attend in our club colours.
Lastly, the club wants to wish Jonty Alexander, our previous club captain, a happy 70th birthday for Monday January 22
KENTON
Traditionally, Monday is the day the bowling green belongs to the*
greenkeeper. A day of rest for the weary turf trampled by the eager feet of many a bowler.
Not so! The KBC Business League teams of four kicked off last Monday, and resembled the vibe of T20 cricket, with supporters lining the bank and children climbing the trees in the car park or chasing each other from green to green.
Thirty teams of bowlers engaged in good-natured competition that had some of the bowlers even requiring strong sustenance on the green to calm their nerves. I saw a lady’s team member, toddler on hip and bowl in hand, hold her position on the mat like Joan of Arc to deliver her best.
Thanks to the many club members who turned out to assist with the tasks, ranging from complex administration, to dispensing bowls to those who
were touching a wood for the first time. Some members were even thrust into the fray to fill in gaps in teams left by late withdrawals.
From the apparent chaos with some deliveries not crossing the 23m line and others hitting the bank with the velocity more suited to a cannon ball intended to sink half the French fleet, came order and ultimately enjoyment.
By Wednesday all seemed forgotten and a full field contested the held-over Dias Jackpot tabs-in.
Tony Phillips and team took the honours. Thanks to Diaz for sponsoring the event.
Thursday and Saturday tabs-in, punctuated with another rousing rock-a-Friday social event brought an end to the hectic week that will only be topped by the activities of the week to come.
See you all at the sold-out GBS Trips, with 36 teams playing on Saturday January 27.