GEORGE BOWLING NEWS - The very popular annual George Mixed Sixes, sponsored by Personal Trust, was played over the weekend of 21 to 22 September at the George Bowling Club.
A record total of 18 teams consisting of 108 players participated, occupying three greens to capacity.
The event drew teams from several surrounding clubs, even from as far as Stilbaai and Plettenberg Bay, and included bowlers from Outeniqua Bowling Club, Great Brak River, Vista, Hartenbos, Mossel Bay, Sedgefield and Oudtshoorn. The host club, George, entered the most teams.
The competition was scheduled to be played over three games of trips and three games of rinks (fours) and pairs. On Saturday play took place in lovely sunny weather and all the games could be completed.
However, soon after play started on Sunday, the rain came down in buckets and the greens became so waterlogged that all games had to be abandoned after only five ends were completed. The final results were then determined on mainly the play of the previous day.
The Knysna team of Arlene and Frank Bosse, Jenny Raymond, Luke Hugill, Malcolm Kell and Kobus Rossouw ended in third place. Second was the team of Outeniqua with Bennie van Loggerenberg, Sandra Axsel, Gail Steyn, Basie du Preez, Marlene Coertse and Marius Roberts. The winning team was the team of the sponsors, Personal Trust, with Prof Stadler, Tish and Chris Hockney, Kurt Steyn, Anne-Marie Jonker and Danie le Grange.
Prof Stadler (far left) with the second-placed team of Outeniqua Club. From left: Bennie van Loggerenberg, Sandra Axsel, Gail Steyn, Basie du Preez, Marlene Coertse and Marius Roberts.
Although this tournament coincided with the first few days of the World Rugby Cup with the Springboks playing their first match against the All Blacks, the spirit in which the bowls was played and enjoyed could not be quenched.
Players were often seen slipping away to the pub during a match - not for a drink, but to see the rugby score. However, not even the Springboks' defeat, although disappointing, could dampen the spirit and enjoyment of the bowls competition.
At the closing ceremony a plaque was handed to Prof Stadler who represented Personal Trust, the main sponsor of the tournament, for their continued and loyal support of not only the club, but of the sport of bowls.
The winners of the George Mixed Sixes tournament was the team of the sponsors, Personal Trust. From left: Mike McCarthy (vice-president of the George Bowling Club), Prof Stadler, Tish and Chris Hockney, Kurt Steyn, Anne-Marie Jonker and Danie le Grange.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
