Due to one of the club greens undergoing a major 'service overhaul', entries have been limited to 28 teams this year. A very keen, tight rivalry is expected among the competitors with new sponsors Lew Geffen|Sotheby's International Realty, as well as Niflas Strategic Financial Solutions also keen to make an impression.
First to show their mettle following an open draw were the Tavcor York team, who gave the young Lancewood team a torrid time, winning 35-2 and snatching the first pole position ahead of Sanlam who were equally tough on the Beach House Furniture team beating them 38-3.
Close on their heels were Mutual and Federal (24-4 over Outeniqua Oogkliniek) and Smitties Number Plates (17-4 against Rawson Rippers).
Round two saw Absa moving to the top of the ladder by virtue of their impressive 23-2 win over York High. They were followed by fellow heavyweights, Old Mutual, who moved into second place after defeating V Cam Security 16-4. Third place was annexed by Sanlam who pipped Tavcor Motor Group by one shot 14-13.
The biggest move up the ladder was by Photo Stories, who rose 12 places when they accounted for Stadler and Swart 23-6. Also impressive were Old Mutual and Lancewood who both rose eight places after this round.
Sponsors, Sotheby's, were just behind them, rising seven positions to reach the top 10 with an 11-4 win against Garden Routes Cabinets.
The third round produced some exciting bowling contests as this was the last round in which teams could qualify for the League proper or find themselves contesting the Plate event. Emerging in first position came Mutual and Federal after a narrow win over Sanlam, 13-12. On their heels in second place were Corporate Tyre Repairs whose strong game gave them a 22-6 win over Finwise.
The previous two top teams after the second round were matched in a tussle of the Titans with Old Mutual taking the honours 13-9 against ABSA.
The biggest move up the ladder was claimed by ADT Security, who gained 12 places after beating George Surgical Centre 16-2.
Eleven places were gained by V Cam Security who soured Lancewood's cream by defeating them 27-4 while York High made amends after their stumble in the last round by moving up 10 places courtesy of their win against Gerstner Attorneys by 15 shots to eight.
Long-term participants - and always a challenge for any team - Millers foursome are ready to match themselves against the team from Tavcor Motor Group. From left: Corné Nunns, Salomé van Wyk, Albri Voges and Joy Gargan.
Confident that their plans for victory will be effective, three of the Niflas team wait for their opponents from V Cam Security. From left: Tanya Nielsen van Reizig, Gemma Beneke and Chrissie Bothma.
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