GEORGE NEWS - The final rounds of the Southern Cape Open Bowls Championships, both men and ladies, were held at the George Bowling Club and although rain delayed the start of the proceedings, spectators present were treated to a veritable feast of skilful bowling by all the participants throughout the day.

In the first of the early playoff games Theo van Aswegen (Hartenbos) went down to Ian Cochrane (Oudts-hoorn) whose slightly tighter control proved to be the deciding factor against a very determined opponent.

In the second game Ted Coetzee (Knysna) seemed in control against Mike Hammond (Sedgefield) right up to the 22nd end where he led 19-14, only to see his opponent collect 7 shots over the next 4 ends to snatch a very tightly fought victory of 21-19.
In the first of the men’s semi-finals Hammond ran up a rapid 10 point lead only to see Cochrane fight back to peel at 12 all on the 14th end and again at 13 all on the 16th end.

This seemed to energise Hammond who then surged ahead to take the game against a very worthy opponent.
In the second semi-final Protea bowler Billy Radloff (George) played against Truter Willemse (Plettenberg Bay). This match had the spectators on the edge of their seats applauding and urging on their candidates. Radloff opened up an early 12-5 lead before Truter dug his heels in and fought back until the game was peeled at 12 all. Again Radloff moved ahead to 16-12 only to see the young challenger creep back to peels at 16-16.
They peeled again at 18-18 before Radloff closed the match off with 3 shots on the 21st end to win 21-18.

In the first ladies’ semi-final, Edith Spence (George) was pitted against Mart van Loggerenberg (George).
First blood went to Spence, but then Van Loggerenberg upped the ante and established firm control over the next few ends. Try what she might Spence was unable to pull back her opponent and Van Loggerenberg eventually won the game to claim her place in the 2011 final. The second ladies semi-final saw Alta Esterhuysen (Beaufort West) pitted against Minette Robertson (Great Brak).

Esterhuyzen, who played a very plucky game, made the first move leading 3-0 and then 5-4 and again 6-5, but then Robertson showed her fine sense of line and length as she drew ahead of her determined opponent over the next 11 ends to claim her place in the 2011 ladies final.

The ladies’ final between Van Loggerenberg and Robertson showcased some very fine shots from both ladies. However it was Robertson who assumed control early in the game with immaculate drawing shots that shut the door on her opponent, no matter what Van Loggerenberg tried and the appreciative spectators watched Robertson claim the title for 2011.
In the men’s final, both Radloff and Hammond showed why they had progressed to this stage of the competition.

In the early play peels was called at 3-3 and 5-5, but this time however, it was Radloff who assumed control of the match and drew inexorably away from his dogged opponent to claim the match and the 2011 title.


Jenny Sinclair, president of Southern Cape Bowls, pictured in the centre with the victorious players. The are (from left) Billy Radloff (George), 2011 Southern Cape Men's Open Singles champion, Mart van Loggerenberg (George), Ladies’ Open Singles runner-up, Minette Robertson (Great Brak), 2011 Ladies Open Singles champion and Mike Hammond (Sedgefield), Men's Open Singles runner-up.