Come on club members, drive development to ensure bowls immortality.

An old news editor, Williams was his name (I am talking 50years ago in England), hammered home to me and all his young men that there were always two sides to a story. In my exciting life as a print media man, academic, lecturer, tutor and scribe of varying sorts, dimensions and persuasions, I have always remembered that homily … it’s tattooed behind my eyes.

That is why when I hear the word development, my ears go up and I try to look at the big picture … surely it cannot be just getting new bowlers and, in particular, younger players?

Of course not! It means updating laws, clubs, management, administration, dress codes, timetables, calendars … phew! Does it ever stop?

No it doesn’t.

That’s why I peruse everything coaching supremo Dr Doug Coghlan sends me … he, a former professor, always finds more than one side to every idea.

He wrote to me this month about an article he had seen by Michael McEwan, a columnist in British magazine Nationwide Bowler, which touched a nerve as far as our junior bowlers are concerned.

There is little doubt the bowling programme for juniors in the Western Province is the finest in South Africa … the results of tournaments over the past three years at Under-19 and Under-25 level bear testimony, mainly thanks to the sterling efforts of Aloma Smith (Strand) and Paul Cohen (Helderberg).

Both operate in the Helderberg Basin, although Paul is also active in the Retreat area, using Bergvliet as a suburbs’ base. Wheatfield is also active in involving juniors and WPBA vice-president Wilhelm Malan and indefatigable manager/coach Nico Ferreira are also to be lauded for their compassion, determination and conscientiousness. There are others who also pull their weight.

But is that enough?

Coghlan drew my attention to the article mentioning an English Indoor Bowling Association initiative to add bowls to the Physical Education Programme at English schools, noting golf had successfully done so. Possible obstacles from popular team sports (soccer ,cricket, rugby, hockey, netball); lack of personnel (coaches and interested teachers); lack of facilities and attitudes to the activity (“old men’s marbles”) are noted.

For years I have written of a need for development at any junior level to be curricula based and how vital it was to woo teachers before the children to ensure on-going success – we hardly need an English journalist to make it clearer than some of us have spelled it out over the years.

It follows, therefore, that any such scheme we cherish cannot succeed unless (the other side of the story) some club bowlers are prepared to put a hand and are prepared to serve as liaison officers and coaches at club level.

That’s a major issue, since most clubs cannot find people to even run teas or tabs-in; apathy, the curse of bowls worldwide (I wonder why?) reigns.

So Dr Coghlan, is it just another pie in the sky?

He says: “I do not think the solution is just to create junior sections at clubs. You must first create the need for a junior section by persuading schools near to a club to allow pupils who are interested to come to the club for an introductory course in bowls once a week for about six weeks.

“The aim would be to teach basic skills so pupils are able to enjoy short games by the end of the course. Then those interested and want to go on can form the basis of a junior section. The programme would then be repeated and from each group a few might enter the junior section.

“If six-week period is repeated several times a year, you could end up with about 15 to 20 juniors ready for advanced coaching and playing opportunities.”

Yes, that is more like it.

But to make it work bowls (0 and 00) sets and responsible coaches are required, funds arranged, transport and clothing organised and teachers trained. It is not easy and demands patience, co-operation and dedication.

It can be done, it is already almost happening like that in the WP. It just needs driving that’s all. And that is where clubs must recruit players to become coaches and pay the fee to have them trained by an able and willing WP standing committee.

As far as any club is concerned, it would be desirable

 

What I like about Coghlan’s thought process is again he has thought (I too have suggested it in the past) of a third side to the story.

He says: “In England I was an FA (soccer) referee and as such received a small remuneration per match. As a coach at university, I received a small honorarium each season.”

There’s a pointer … make it worthwhile (not a bribe, but a true reflection on a job well done) use of time and pay those prepared to assist. Pensioners are forever moaning (I am one too!) about shortage of funds; here’s a chance to earn a few bob, learning a new skill, then doing something of great value giving enduring satisfaction.

Thanks Doug, way to go.

With the African States Tournament in Zimbabwe (August 13-21) beckoning and the 20th Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India looming (October 4-13), Protea men and women seek gold.

The African States is a given – South Africa normally dominate – but India’s extreme heat (42 Deg C+) and diet (everything is curried) problems, plus the quality of opposition are another story.

Nevertheless, the Commonwealth Games is also a medal mine; over the years bowlers have earned SA more medals pro rata than any other code.

That was until 2006 in Australia, when things went slightly awry. Shaun Addinall (WP) Gerry Baker (JBA) and Gippo Vermeulen (Port Natal), there then, back now, say Melbourne was a puzzle. Lorna Trigwell (now Mrs Smith and Scottish) won a singles bronze and the men produced a trips bronze – Vermeulen played middleman; otherwise, zilch.

It forced an overhaul in selection, training, assessment and attitude. It worked; some of the “class of 06” are rightly survivors; some big names are gone. Our players have the credentials; how they adapt determine results, but with the men’s average age at only 42 and the women’s at 38, the message is clear – we mean business.

Moreover, 30 000 South African lawn bowlers eagerly await success.

Preparation is overseen by head coach Theuns Fraser a former Protea who understands what it takes to triumph and all will remember 2002 when Donnelly sat grinning in Manchester’s pouring rain, gold medal clutched, a South African flag plastered to his body.

Bowls SA president Debra Ferguson is upbeat. “I am confident skill added to dedication and preparation will bring medals. But competition is extreme; any success will be hard-earned.”

Apart from climate and diet, the event is played on slow-running carpet laid at the Delhi main stadium. South Africans had a taste earlier this year and further acclimatised last week in Test matches in Spain on a similar textured surface. There the Proteas outplayed their Iberian hosts, mostly with British emigrant names.

And the SA players?

Durbanville’s Addinall is back where he belongs. SA’s top world ranked (26th), is a sublime performer, the 36th ranked “baby” at 28 Wayne Perry (SFS) and incomparable “leftie” Gerry Baker (37th) are gifted, genuine performers. Vermeulen, built like a rugby loose-forward with a touch like a pickpocket and silky smooth Johann du Plessis (JBA) are multiple champions.

The women’s side is also terrific.

Two of the world’s youngest and most exciting women bowlers Tracey-Lee Botha (Johannesburg BA), 22, 2010 SA Masters champion and already a multiple international gold medalist and Southern Free State’s Brunhilde Roussouw, 25, a pairs (lead) champion in Delhi’s 8-Nations Tournament and consistent winners at domestic level, will turn heads and alarm opponents with their power, touch and concentration.

Skips Susan Nel (Sables) a “clean sweep” winner of all SA’s main events in 2009 and Johannesburg’s highest world ranked SA player Colleen Piketh (31st) a glorious drawing bowler with Commonwealth Games experience from Melbourne and gold with Roussouw in India, will skip trips and pairs respectively.

Boland’s Susanna Steyn, an African States gold medalist and another multiple districts gold medals winner is reliable and tough; singles player Helen Grundlingh (Port Natal) courageous and skilful – she will be feared for her bulldog attitude.

The sides will be accompanied by Fraser, assistant coach Jessica Henderson, plus Ron Weddell of the SA Bowls executive. We wish them luck (see Warwick Bowls; the Bowlsblog.com).

Pinewood: off season tabs-in: Wednesday pm/Fridays am: Superb green, Wed: tabs-in by 1.45; Fri 9.15am; green fee: R10 (tea); prize draw daily.

Pinewood holds its Raddall Trophy on four Friday AMs – September 3, 10, 17, 24 – from 9:30. Any format (rinks), 4 x 21 ends; R60 a team a week; Alex Tame: 0825516482/0215314030/0215315603 (fax)

WPCC: Quiz evening: Wednesday, August 4, Ave De Mist at 6.45pm; R25 + hotdog; bring own snacks; all welcome; team-of-six maximum; e-mail team leader, how many 9in team and cell to carol@talktravel.co.za by July 31.

Bowlers were correct to embrace a World Cup experience

The soccer World Cup was indeed a wondrous affair.

My wife and I (thanks to my beloved son, Elan) obtained two tickets for the Netherlands v Cameroon match at Cape Town Stadium.

We hummed and hawed over what we should do and what would happen.

“You must have ID; do not take a camera; they body search you; watch out for pickpockets; park as near as possible, smuggle in food and drink; do not take food and drink, eat first, it is so expensive; get ear plugs, the vuvuzelas will deafen you (that was for sure, and we did buy some) dress warmly (our match had an 8.30pm kick-off) …” and on an on it went, mostly from well-meaning souls who had neither been to such an event, nor had any intention of so doing.

Now a lawn bowler, formerly from England, where I grew up as a Wolverhampton Wanderers fan (still am) and a soccer player myself (trials with southern schools as a goalkeeper; don’t ask me why) I was like a small boy looking forward to a trip to a circus.

And how bowlers accepted and supported the World Cup. Clubs ran internal competitions with teams adopting a nation taking part in the finals. From what I have heard, invariably Brazil or Portugal won; France (I wonder why?) lost.

Members dressed appropriately and much amusement and entertainment was had on non-match days … those meant being glued to a TV set or a trip to a match or to a fantastic fan park.

Bowlers heeded the mild appeal from Fifa to not clash other sporting events with football fixtures … pity the ruby and cricket organisations ignored that?

My wonderful wife Ronel, a well-organised, sagacious clinical psychologist, who while not actually “wearing the trousers in our family”, certainly “designs them,” was as excited. Knowledgeable on all sports (although approaching 50 she remains a superb league tennis player) she insisted we “go shopping.”

That is why when the great moment arrived she was adorned in Dutch colours (only the clogs were missing) while I looked like a refugee from Yaoundé in my green, gold and red beanie and scarf, bravely emblazoned with “Cameroon.”

To return to all the grave misgivings and warnings, this is what happened:

• We took our car to UCT and parked in a secure area, walked 150m and boarded a bus packed with similarly adorned fans of every nationality, race and background, many blowing lustily on vuvuzelas … we were off;

• 10 minutes later we were at the civic centre. There we changed to another bus and amid great fanfare and excitement were deposited alongside a swanky new bus stop at which sliding doors prevented those without tickets from sneaking through;

• spotted were thousands making their way along the fan walk from the city to the stadium. Mostly in orange, but several in African colours, jostling well naturedly as they plodded the 3km route.

• we waited outside the magnificent stadium under a clear sky. Table Mountain and Lion’s Head stood proudly and through my binoculars (12 x 50) I could see many faces peering down at Green Point; it was warm, there was no wind;

• the policemen on duty (they had replaced the security guards who were dismissed, allegedly for illegally striking) were fantastic. Dressed as though for inspection, smiling, joking and polite, from constable to captain, they were a tribute to training and their service. At our mini queue were a contingent from Milnerton Police Station … thanks guys you helped make our evening perfect;

• no one asked for ID, but they did examine our tickets and a pretty sazzy woman officer searched me (more, more) before we strolled through and into a vast forecourt before the edifice looming above us. Food, service points, official sponsors’ centres, music and razzmatazz greeted us as we slowly climbed towards our date with destiny.

• a cursory glance again at tickets, directions politely given and we began the haul up six floors to our seat behind a goal;

• there were no pickpockets; it was balmy evening; the crowd – 63 100 – was on time, well-mannered and keen; 30 000 visitors from Holland provided a sea of orange.

• words cannot describe the beauty and grandeur of the stadium … a sea of light, of huge screens at each end to flash films, messages and replays; the roar of the crowd, the music, the vuvezelas (thanks ear plugs!) … it was heaven;

• my wife’s photos are stunning

• the food, drink, ice cream cost R20 a throw … reasonable I thought … it was clean, fresh and welcome;

• our neighbours were Argentine supporters … friendly and interesting and,

• match over (yes, my wife picked another winner) we filed out (so orderly), got straight onto a bus (at 10.22pm) and were in our car going home BEFORE 11pm

Thanks organisers, thanks Fifa, thanks players, thanks wife and son; it was a night out to remember.

Although my wife and I were at the World Cup in Paris in 1998, that pales into insignificance.

To the killjoys waiting to say “we told you so” you have no idea what you missed.

Let’s see if Brazil can better that in four years’ time; ‘till then it’s bowls time again

Since one of Bowls SA’s development aims is to take the sport to the youth of this great nation, it is only natural, one supposes, that when it comes to electing a national body a couple of “younger” faces might stand. Certainly “fresher” is the case this year.

At Bowls SA’s AGM on Saturday, August 28 delegates will be asked to vote for a president and vice-president (Debra Ferguson and Allan Freeman, respectively, unopposed) and four executive members; there are six nominations.

Let’s be frank. The incumbents, Kallie Haupt (Southern Cape), Sergio Montenegro (WP), Isabel Smith (Sables) and Ron Weddell (Kingfisher) have each done their honorary work admirably. Long hours, no complaints; a job faithfully and conscientiously completed.

But voters are fickle animals … remember when Tory Winston Churchill planned Britain’s World War 2 victory with maybe as much remembered rhetoric than with men and bullets, his reward was defeat at the immediate postwar national poll in favour of Labour’s Clement Attlee.

The “new names” on the Bowls SA executive block are fresh blood, something some districts have intimated to me, off the record, they want  - outspoken Johannesburg major domo Jacques de Villiers and Andrew Strong (Eastern Gauteng stalwart) are serious contenders.

Bryanston Sport’s De Villiers, a sound administrator, with, sometimes outrageous, views on almost everything, is usually to be heard in full flow (usually with good reason) at meetings and is likely to be backed by a monster lobby … but will he make it?

Edenvale’s Strong, another capable administrator at top level, a successful self-made man, may best be remembered for his ill-fated putsch to wrest the presidency from the incumbent a year ago will also enjoy strong representation and is likely to be in green by September.

If either, or both make it, who will make way … “did they the loser(s) gracefully fall, or were they pushed,” will be the on-going discussion. (See articles at WWW.warwickbowls.com and thebowlsblog.com and please have your say).

In the AGM report to be tabled at the AGM, the registered membership section may become dog-eared; figures indicate a continued all-round decline, but hope glimmering.

Only Limpopo shows genuine, if cursory, growth over three years, although Western Province also is becoming resurgent. The executive demonstrate no fewer than 3 343 new bowlers were welcomed to the sport during the 2009/2010 period under review – a significant margin above the targeted 10%.

The figures show a decline however, as a clearance backlog remains pending in many districts and involves a significant numbers.

To date, the nation’s 20 districts boast 565 clubs (up from 563 since 2009) with 1 009 greens (1 002). There are 17 622 men (18 436) and 11 245 women (11 789) registered, giving a total of 28 867 (30 225). But the final figure might well show a small, but welcome, overall increase.

Next week I will bring you some of the resolutions to be tabled at the AGM and a then what the standing committees have achieved and their aims for the new season.

The R20 000 Personal Trust/Peter Grant Fund/Shoprite Checkers/Helderberg Mixed Sixes on Friday/Saturday April 14/15 2011. Mixed teams of 6 play 3 x 15 ends a day in 6 trips, 3 pairs, 3 fours; first 18 teams accepted; prizes for 10 teams; Entry R900 a team. Pieter Human: 0218528368/0828712162/Joe Hodge 0218520436/0833080390.

To conclude the discussion on stress, coaching guru Dr Doug Coghlan looks to the logical answer – if bowlers wish to improve they should cut back on events.

Not good news for already cash-strapped clubs and districts looking for entries to earn much-needed funds for development, administration and  the extreme costs experienced in sponsoring travelling provincial sides from Under-19 to senior level.

While Coghlan suggests cutting back at club level, many events are “traditional” and again, clubs not only generate funds, but provide fun for social bowlers.

But, he says, clubs could take a hard look at programmes and axe events there simply because there’s a trophy. Drawn events in club championships may no longer serve the purpose for which they were introduced years ago when there were fewer events, more players and travel was less prevalent; singles, he asserts might be a waste of effort.

So, if that doesn’t solve the problem then perhaps if bowlers really wish to improve they must allow time for recovery and for practice. “Clubs must stop pressuring bowlers to enter; if an event is not supported drop it, Coghlan insists.

Again, there are many who play only for fun and enjoyment and play more events by not practicing, but even they need a break if doing so becomes a drag.

So, the Coghlan rule-of-thumb guide:

 

• Play a match two or three times a week;
• practice twice a week;
• recover two to three days a week and,
• If there is an intensive period, requiring four or more events in a week, use practice sessions to regain rhythm.

Sounds easier to implement on paper, but he probably talking sense … not that organisers of club and district events welcome such sentiments.

 Bowlers are afforded an opportunity to advertise products and services on the Bowls SA website. A page(s) will carry contact details to attract business along the lines of a “bowlers yellow pages.” Details can be forwarded to mariette@bowlssa.co.za and district secretaries are asked to distribute a copy of the BSA circular to clubs

Please contact WP Bowls: 0216852387, if you know someone interested in accommodation at Jaggers – a self-contained one-bedroom cottage, living room, bathroom and kitchen with secure parking).

The WPBA executive has announced:

 

• WP will host the Open interdistricts (March 21-25) and the women’s nationals (April 30-May 8. The SA Warwick Masters are again at Wingate Park (February 11-13); B interdistricts travel to Natal Inland, seniors to Kingfisher and juniors F State. The men’s nationals are in Johannesburg, Sables host SA Mixed Pairs;
• WP members you are going to resign from your club and plan to join another – before October 15. Also club secretaries must declare membership by October 31;
• WP affiliation fee: R120 for next season;
• Bowls SA’s affiliation fee is up 10% to R 140 (unconfirmed) and,
• affiliation fees, therefore R260.00 (about R 21.66 or a double Bells and soda a month).

Champions Durbanville and runners-up Constantia dominated the 2009/10 WPBA Executive Trophy based on women’s events in Muter, Sully, championships, league and Sevens. Scores: Durbanville 47 points; Constantia 44, Gordons Bay 18.

Thornton: Christmas July Party; July 31, from 7.30pm, three-course meal; live entertainment; R75 a head; smart-casual. Dalinda: 0835733033.

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