I cannot remember a single year without controversy surrounding calendar clashes. Question is, should districts lay the law down tor clubs about sponsored events or continue to schedule them (district competitions as well) when they clash with national events?

Men’s Flag holders WPCC are (rightly) hopping mad that a round of the event takes place in February when three of their top men are at the SA Masters in Pretoria. Many, not from WPCC, say “so what it happens every year;” it does.

But Thornton, WPCC’s opponents will also have two of their top players attending BSA meetings during the Masters.

Perhaps both might agree to play on a Sunday? And as far as the dates for the Glen, Atlantic and Edgemead events, why should clubs not have to bid and pay for their preferred dates?

Should 1 176 men competing in Flag and 464 women in Muter not play because eight players are at the SA Masters?

To prevent acrimony and finger-pointing the entire situation could be vaporised if it was decided national events are more important than local. Since players are encouraged to enhance careers, when they do, should they be punished?

It is little use bleating “no other days are available.” Care should be taken to ensure there are, regardless of clubs and their sponsors’ tournament (admittedly important) demands or district events.

Ill feeling is being created by mismanagement or oversight or clubs’ selfishness; short-sightedness or too much to cater for – you decide. One thing is certain, abuse and accusations fly … not good for the sport.

My feeling is Bowls SA events come first, district second and club tournaments third; players and their clubs, however, need protection and consideration.

Districts must ensure clubs toe the line, however frustrating and annoying it might be … otherwise chaos reigns. Unclutter calendars early … first formulate a firm policy then insist clubs conform.

The annual WP Proteas Fund Raiser is on February 13 at Bellville and Howard at 9am. Entry fee is R240 a rink – any format – only one Protea a team. All money raised goes towards sending the WP sides to the interdistricts in March. All currently selected players and all Protea members are urged to enter teams via Riva Myers on rivam@telkomsa.net or 0827400313; indicating if they’ll be at the North or South venue.

WPBA has hastened to clarify confusion about the men’s dress code, as well as Law 38 regarding conditions under which players with disabilities may play. Individual players in men’s teams may choose to wear long or short pants. (See BSA Circular 2010/52 as well as the second page of WP Circular 2010/27). Partially sighted or blind bowlers may use any form of assistance necessary to allow them to play (see the law book). See www.warwickbowls.com for more.

NOTICEBOARD

• 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

• Milnerton’s Warwick Ladies’ Day: 2 x 15 ends; fours; April; 15; 9am; R160 (teas, muffins, lunch): Jennifer Gordon 0215510979/0835644556; Tish Hammond 0215524848/e-mail: glgordon20054@telkomsa.net

• Plumstead Ladies’ Valentine’s Day Fours; 2x 15 ends; R200; 9.30; Karen 0825610658; Barbara 0723866952, Irene 0828421606

Strand/PG Konsult Trips: Feb 24; 9am; special team prize for colourful dress; 2x 12, 1 x15 ends; R150; Sussie Boonzaier 021 854 7720/076 036 7286; Elsa Peters 021 853 6051/082 776 7762

• Somerset West All Day Warwick Mixed Trips; 2 x 12 & 1 x 16; February 15; 9am; R180; Pete Sneller 021 851 8819/Lyn Thomas 082 565 6871,

Streamlining, coupled to a significant increase in prize money are the key format factors for the 2011 Warwick/Bowls South Africa men’s (Johannesburg) and women’s (Cape Town) championships from April 30-May 1.

Prize money has been set in excess of R200 000 – the largest, outside golf, of any SA major sporting tournament… On offer is R40 000 first prize for the fours; R20 000 for the pairs; (men’s:R10 000 singles; R5 000 senior singles) plus other prize monies; entries for both close on January 31.

The championships, played simultaneously, begin with the pairs: April 30: 3×15-end round robin games; May 1: 2 x 15 ends (am); one play-off round (pm); 3 x play-off games (down to quarterfinals) on May2.

The fours begin on May 3 (3 x 15-end games) on May 3 and another two on May 4 (am); first sectional play-off (pm); followed on May 5 by three more play-off rounds (down to quarterfinals). Pairs and fours play 21-end games from semifinals.

Singles players face three round robin games on May 6; play-off rounds on May 7 to reach semifinals.

All semifinals and finals are on May 8.

All queries to: Storm Howard [committee secretary, men: 0118808000/0836808257; e-mail: cgba@telkomsa.net or Bob Shackleton [committee secretary, women: 0215315872; 0834653633; wpbowls@mweb.co.za

Congratulations are in order for WPCC (venue), Doreen de Power (tournament official in charge), the players in the semifinals and finals, WPCC president Patrick Young for his braai and the supporters who helped to make the Personal Trust/WPBA Fours finals day a terrific success.

The excellent surface of the green (14+sec) meant exciting ends and, although tricky in the cloudy conditions, was mostly well handled.

Excitement there was aplenty, not the least in a women’s semi-final clash between a Strand (Louise Roediger) quartet and the holders from Durbanville (Jenny Hann), the latter bidding to make it an all-Durbanville final as their semifinalist club mates (Rene Swanepoel) had already defeated Edgemead (Cheryl Cox).

With Hann leading 21-9 playing the 19th end, I was surprised that Roediger didn’t shake hands … just as well she didn’t.

Hammering home an amazing 2, 7 3 shots past a bemused opposition; the extra end was a formality. And the final was a breeze for Strand.

Distraught former world champion Jo Peacock got it right when she laconically said “we chucked it away” … she was correct, but playing lead she could only watch her side fall apart.

Runners-up last year, WPCC (Danie Loubser) went one better. The “Ex-Burkett brigade” (nice to see Brian Smith back to best) showed why the maestro preferred to play with them, coming back to beat Glen (David Epstein and a plucky young, raw side) in a tough semi-final; then seeing off a useful Durbanville side (Brendan Allen). Dedicated, skilful Loubser, 61, surely needs only a fair SA Senor Masters showing to be in line for national colours this year, after a bravura 2010.

Results: Semifinals: Men: D Loubser, J Roebert, B Smith, K Nash (WPCC) 27.

D Epstein, M Zartz, A Zartz, P Pezisa (Glen) 18; B Allen, R Lang, A McGowan, J Kleynhans 28, P Pitacco, G Greyling, A Nel, J Von Wielligh (Thornton) 9; final: Loubser 21, Allen 12. Women: R Swanepoel , M Van Zyl, P Rose, M Thomas (Durbanville) 25, C Cox , I Tendoeschate, A Grunewald, G Botes (Edgemead) 15; L Roediger, J Joubert, M Van Vuuren, E Peters (Strand) 22, J Hann, A Quinn, M Downing, J Peacock (Durbanville) 21 (extra end); final: Roediger 22, Swanepoel 12

Club secretaries are urged by Bowls SA to up-date members’ e-mail addresses on the national database as the parent body intends communicating, electronically with the national membership to inform them of TV coverage. This move is to offset late notification from SuperSport of dates and times. Moreover, Bowls SA’s quarterly newsletter is to be sent in similar fashion.

NOTICEBOARD

• 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

• Milnerton’s Warwick Ladies’ Day: 2 x 15 ends; fours; April; 15; 9am; R160 (teas, muffins, lunch): Jennifer Gordon 0215510979/0835644556; Tish Hammond 0215524848/e-mail: glgordon20054@telkomsa.net

• Plumstead Ladies’ Valentine’s Day Fours; 2x 15 ends; R200; 9.30; Karen 0825610658; Barbara 0723866952, Irene 0828421606

Strand/PG Konsult Trips: Feb 24; 9am; special team prize for colourful dress; 2x 12, 1 x15 ends; R150; Sussie Boonzaier 021 854 7720/076 036 7286; Elsa Peters 021 853 6051/082 776 7762

• Helderberg Village; Acucap Atlas Mixed Trips (one skip a side); January 27; 2pm; R90; closes Jan 21; Club: 021 855-8333/ Fax: 021 855 8303/ clubhouse@helderbergvillage.org.za

• Somerset West All Day Warwick Mixed Trips; 2 x 12 & 1 x 16; February 15; 9am; R180; Pete Sneller 021 851 8819/Lyn Thomas 082 565 6871,

Play like Bobby and be the best in the world

How many people do you know to have won a major world sporting event by themselves?

Yes, the winners of a team event, as wonderful and rewarding as that might be, just, for some unfathomable reason, do not quite measure up against solo triumph; it is always the individual, be it at tennis, bowls, athletics, chess, golf, cycling, shooting and so on, who seem to have that special aura.

In Johannesburg, Bobby Donnelly is one such man … singles gold medal winner at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England.

I have known him for more than 30 years,

Tall, often intense, almost brooding, he lives in his own world when he plays; as any “lone athlete” he prefers the vicissitudes and vagaries that cloak his preferred discipline.

His message to all is simple: “Walk as if you are in control of the game – own the rink. Enjoy the game; if you are enjoying the game, chances are you will play well.”

Nevertheless, he sounds a warning: “You cannot win every game of singles you play.

I remember three things above all from the Manchester Games.

Firstly, he was not originally selected, but was hastily called upon after a player was injured, secondly, the weather (rain) was appalling and thirdly he had a determination about him that was eye-boggling.

He was as if he had detached himself from the rest of the world and was totally concentrated on his immense task.

History relates he prevailed, against all odds.

Posing for the media after the South African national anthem had ended, he posed, his precious medal held out for all to see. He had a dreamy smile on his face, as, wrapped in a sodden South African flag, rain dripping down his face, he received the adulation of a packed medal ceremony and 10 000km away a grateful nation.

The highlights of his singles record speak for themselves: Commonwealth Games, gold; SA Singles. gold; JBA district masters, gold; Near East Rand masters, gold, three times; Near East Rand district singles, three times.

It is, however, significant he remembers the detail of finals he lost far more easily than when he won events … especially over the years in the SA Singles.

He rates (as many do) Gerry Baker as his most difficult opponents locally; overseas, Leif Selby (Australia) and Sam Tolchard (England).

His tips to all bowlers on singles play:

1 It is paramount to get the first bowl of every end close to the jack – extra concentration is required. This will transfer pressure on to your opponent;

2 Break the regular 21 shot for victory game down into three sections of seven shots in your mind. Try to get to seven first, then “begin” a new game of first to seven; for the last part try to get to seven first again. This helps with your intensity and concentration.

3 Try not to drop more than one shot an end. Threes and fours conceded are killers in singles; rather secure second shot before playing a running shot.

4 There will always be and end or two when an opponent has three or four bowls close to the jack. Here the running shot is vital – a big shot is required. This will not only alleviate the problem of giving away a “kill”, but if you running shot succeeds, even in part, will unsettle an opponent.

5 Remain calm under pressure; never complain about the rink, or your “bad luck.”

6 Resist the urge to show bad body language; this simply spurs on your opponent.

7 Try not to allow your opponent to know you are under pressure, or upset about the rink or the game.

8 It is never too late to make a comeback in a singles game when playing to 21 shots.

9 When things are not going well slow things down, go for a drink of water, focus on the next end. Remember, bowls close to the jack transfers pressure back on to an opponent.

10 You cannot win every game of singles you play. Be graceful in defeat, humble in victory.

Donnelly is the quintessential singles star; quiet, humble, deadly; he has been harshly treated in past by selectors, but is now correctly regarded as a player for all reasons, in any position … but, like any “sniper” deadly and accurate.

A great year’s bowling to all for 2011; but don’t look away, January is jam-packed with Western Province action.

Midweek play-offs lead the way (see below); yesterday’s round one of The Black & White Whisky/WPBA Flag (WPCC defending) will have been hotly contested, as would have round one of Muter (Constantia A the narrowest of winners last season). Both events continue each weekend this month.

The first six rounds of the senior women’s singles run from January 25-27.

Both men’s and women’s fours semifinals and finals are at WPCC today. Glen’s David Epstein meets in-form SA Senior Masters player and SA Mixed Pairs champion Danie Loubser (WPCC), a finalist last season in the men’s event.

The men’s and women’s singles are on January 16 and 23, culminating in the quarterfinals on January 30 and the semifinals and finals on February 6; other than Flag, all these district events are sponsored by Personal Trust.

That’s just the start; all the details next week; have a great bowling year and support you sponsors freely, fairly and liberally.

Entries are being accepted for the 2011 Warwick Private Wealth/BowlsSA Men’s National Championships in Johannesburg from April 30-May 8. Prize monies: R40 000 for the fours; R20 000 pairs; R10 000 singles; R5 000 senior singles; Women’s Nationals in Cape Town from April 30-May 8; R40 000 prize money for the fours; R20 000 pairs; Entries for both close on January 31.

The Personal Trust/WPBA Men’s Midweek Tournament play-offs begin on Wednesday (Jan 12). A match of note in a preliminary match is at Glen (2pm) between old adversaries in veterans Allan Aspeling (Goodwood) and Alan Stevens (Durbanville). On January 19 two hot encounters at Goodwood feature former WP player and selector Basil Novitzkas (Glen) who meets in-form SA Senior Masters player and SA Mixed Pairs champion Danie Loubser (WPCC), a semi-finalist last year, while holder Cliffie Coombes (Helderberg) takes on another veteran in Bergvliet’s Aubrey de Villiers. The quarterfinals are on January 26 and the semifinals and finals on February 2 and 9 respectively.

Those men players with appropriate knees who like to play in shorts and those who cannot afford whites, the WPBA has indicated non-bowling clothes may not be worn on any green on which a WP competition is in action. Naturally if there is a free green at any club without any WP play involved, play may be conducted in mufti in spite of WP competition underway on an adjacent green.

Make use of Coaching Road Shows offered by the WP Coaches’ Standing Committee at participating clubs. Lasting between one to three hours, clinics offered are: basic (technique, line, length); front rank; back rank; squad training / team training; “Inner Game” (mental skills); advanced bowlers; (clinics can be tailored to suit clubs’ requirements). Arrangements include: Number of bowlers by arrangement; R30 per bowler (expenses, handouts); dress casual; four bowls; tea provided by club; club coaches usually assist. Contact: Dr Douglas Coghlan: 021 851 4240/e-mail: dikkop@isat.co.za

Notices

• Milnerton’s Warwick Ladies’ Day: 2 x 15 ends; fours; April; 15; 9am; R160 (teas, muffins, lunch): Jennifer Gordon 0215510979/0835644556; Tish Hammond 0215524848/e-mail: glgordon20054@telkomsa.net

• Plumstead Ladies’ Valentine’s Day Fours; 2x 15 ends; R200; 9.30; Karen 0825610658; Barbara 0723866952, Irene 0828421606

Strand/PG Konsult Trips: Feb 24; 9am; special team prize for colourful dress; 2x 12, 1 x15 ends; R150; Sussie Boonzaier 021 854 7720/076 036 7286; Elsa Peters 021 853 6051/082 776 7762

• Helderberg Village; Acucap Atlas Mixed Trips (one skip a side); January 27; 2pm; R90; closes Jan 21; Club: 021 855-8333/ Fax: 021 855 8303/ clubhouse@helderbergvillage.org.za

• Somerset West All Day Warwick Mixed Trips; 2 x 12 & 1 x 16; February 15; 9am; R180; Pete Sneller 021 851 8819/Lyn Thomas 082 565 6871