Bridge too far for local bowlers at the final hurdle

NEWS from both the men’s and women’s District Masters tournament played in Newcastle two weeks ago, is that although Zululand’s bowlers made their presence felt and returned home with their heads held high, when it came to the final hurdle it was a case of a bridge too far.

In the men’s section A, Barry Mutlow (6+13) finished as runner-up to Theuns Fraser of Midlands (8+25), while Dion Leaity only lost one game in section B to move into the final with a score of 8+34.

Fraser deservedly became Masters champion for 2018 when, in a close game, he beat Leaity 21-15.

In the women’s section A, Esell Schoeman also lost only one game to finish on 8+25 on her way to booking her place in the final, where she was to meet Nan Roos of Midlands, who had sailed through section B unbeaten.

Once again it was the bowler from the Midlands who triumphed when she relegated Schoeman to the runners-up spot by 21 shots to 10.

Local clubs have been involved in playing their Pro 10 tournaments, where both the winners and runnersup will progress to the district playoffs, which are sponsored by Hi-Q and will be played at Mtunzini on 14 and 15 July.

The winners at the Empangeni Bowling Club were Japie van Staden and Roly Shaw, with the runners-up Steve Oberholzer and Gloria Garbutt, while at Empangeni Country Club it was Jeff Hunter and Odette Allan who finished on top, followed by Louis Wessells and Wannita Smith.

This weekend the Mtunzini Bowling Club will be hosting their ever popular Autumn Tournament, which has once again, attracted a bumper entry and a great two days of good bowls and great fun is to be expected.