Nationals seem headed for a high-speed stall

SA BOWLS’ flagship event, the nationals, is stuck in transit and may have reached its sell-by date.

The annual showpiece’s existence must be put under the spotlight as a result of the lack of interest from the majority of the 20 affiliated districts; right now men and women are partaking in the 2018 edition, and, bar the host districts, numbers are extremely low.

Clubs would have done their best to get their members to take part, but without joy it appears.

WP Bowls, the biggest district in the country, mustered seven men’s teams to take part in Port Elizabeth and zero women for Gauteng.

Surely the time to end the farce has arrived.

Gone are the good old days when the event attracted huge numbers from all over the country, so much so clubs were allowed to enter just one team in the fours discipline.

The other formats weren’t limited and saw strong numbers in the pairs and singles battling it out for the sought-after titles.

These days anyone can stake a claim for national glory, and that’s an unacceptable situation.

It is an insult to past champions who had to see off scores of rivals for such rewards.

But the status quo remains. Yes, to boost flagging numbers entries are open to all, but still no takers.

Decision- makers must surely be aware of the plight of their event find a way forward.

But is there is a solution? Possibly, as long as there are wise people who can see things for what they are.

An overhaul on the lines of making sure members do not have to fork out a small fortune to be part of proceedings and ensure the number of days needed to complete the operation are shortened to no more than three.

Districts must be consulted because they are the ones that will ultimately determine whether there’s a bright future for the ailing competition.

WP president Graeme Kemp believes changes are needed.

“A way to address the sad state of affairs is to look at having play-offs at district level… and then sending qualifiers to a central venue to determine overall winners.

“It would result in more members wanting to be part of the process, and sponsors would enjoy that.”

It is highly pleasing to note the WP entries are doing well, with Edgemead, Mowbray and Pollsmoor doing well – Tony van der Poel (Edgemead) and his fours side will be in action today in the semi-finals.

Burnt End Promotions are proud to announce the King/ Queen of the Rink 2018 Singles tournament to be held at various clubs throughout the Boland and Western Province.

The aim of the tournament is to determine the Champion Bowler in the Western Cape. There are six qualifying tournaments from May 20 to June 10, culminating in a two day final which will be held on June 16/17.

The competition is open to everyone registered with Bowls SA