Nail-biting finishes on cards

LAWN bowls has seen several essential transformations in its history. Beginning as an occasional public house sport, it was a leisure activity for the male elite in the 19th century.

Then it became a mass sport for men (in their ties, blazers, hats and white longs) and women (adorned in white dresses, stockings and hats) after World War II. The hierarchy governing the game maintained its stringent stronghold on dress through most of the 20th century.

Recent dramatic changes to the dress rules and scoring conventions have ensured that the game now appeals to a younger age group and effectively challenges the laws of yore.

The recent Pro10 Tournament sponsored by Amanzimtoti Bowling Club highlights how the tide has changed towards a reformed game.

The competition invites bowlers to bring their drawing skills to the green for a quick scoring competition that encourages a rapidly changing scorecard.

With the first four bowls counting in a points system allowing for a maximum of 10 points per end in a 10-end game, the format encourages a more dynamic, concentrated game.

Instead of the whites, the invitation requests that participants wear bright-coloured clothes for the duration of the tournament.

The final game in the Pro10 was a mammoth tussle between Wayne Roberts and Nick Horne (Stella Park) and Dave le Roux and Paul White (Durban Wanderers). Wayne and Nick emerged victorious with a 52 to 48-shot win.

As the curtain closes on the 2018 Men’s Interclub League (ICL) and the women’s Wynn Cup this Saturday, the battle for supremacy in the first divisions promises nail-biting finishes. One and a half points separate the top two contenders in the ICL. Umhlali on 39½ points with a +104 shot difference host fifthplaced Hillcrest in a home game face-off.

Stella Park on 38 points have a superior shot difference of +122, and are at home against third-placed Parkhill .

The Wynn Cup leading contestants both travel to Parkhill BC for away games. Umhlali on 18 points with a +47 shot difference face fifth-placed Durban, and Northlands on 15 points with a +29 shot difference face third-placed Parkhill. Undoubtedly phone lines will be red hot as supporters check for updates on their opposition.