Dogged, determined Gerry Baker (Johannesburg Bowling Association) duly won a won a record-equalling fifth Warwick/Bowls SA Men’s Masters Singles Championship after three days at a hot, windless Wingate Park CC, Pretoria. He downed a game, but seemingly uninventive, Bobby Donnelly (JBA) 21-17 in 25 mesmerising ends.

After the event, the modest, quietly-spoken Baker, also holder of five silver and three bronze medals since the 1990s, said: “It is an honour to equal the great Doug Watson’s record; perhaps next year I can break it?”

In the women’s event, holder Tracey-Lee Botha (JBA), 22, retained her title (first to do so since Lorna Trigwell (Smith) a decade ago, defeating double champion Colleen Piketh (JBA) 21-14. Botha now dominate SA women’s bowls and is destined to skip the SA side for a long time.

The seniors put on if anything the most exciting show. Eddie Fann (Kingfisher) defeated game rookie Simon Botha (Gauteng North) 21-12 in 23 ends, to make it three victories and a silver in four years, but Botha with a PhD in education and Masters in education and sociology is a breath of fresh air. An experienced slimmed down former world champion Loraine (sub-editors: correct spelling) Victor (Gauteng North) had too much greencraft for excellent first timer Wilma McLachalan (EP), who after an unblemished sectional run, went down fighting 21-17 after 29 ends.

Bowls SA president, Debra Ferguson, thanking sponsors Warwick Wealth and the Wingate Park organising committee superbly led by Jeff Terner for a sixth straight year, was upbeat. “We have had an unprecedented 580 plus new members nationwide in January alone,” she announced to prolonged applause.

WP and Boland players, apart from junior Eugene Ferreira (WPCC) did not, in spite of heroics, did not quite see it through.

In the Junior Masters final Ferriera, who with different tactics in the first set might have been a clear winner, instead had to settle for silver, losing to Shawn Janse van Vuuren (Mpumulanga) in a tie-break. The burly Ferreira, a mirror image of his Under-25s’ mentor father, Nico, in the WP B districts side, is on the verge of a major break-through. In the women event, Desmarie Rosenblatt (EP) was too strong for Hazel Muller (NW) winning 2-0 in sets,

Other WP masters’ progress:

Men: Shaun Addinall (Durban) lost three games by a galling 21-20 to miss out on a bronze medal, but retains his silky skills; he was definitely “under-cooked.”

Women: A superb effort by tiny world champion Sylvia Burns (Constantia), who won five of seven games, beat Botha (her only loss in three years), lost one game 21-20 she might have won and numerically finished 4th overall, but, agonizingly, only third in her section to miss a bronze on shot difference. Classy Trish Steyn (WPCC) won four games, lost two “sitters” 21-20 and looked the part in the end as the top player she is; Commonwealth Games trips gold medallist Santjie Steyn (Boland) blew hot and cold; she can do better.

Seniors: In form Danie Loubser (WPCC) played with grit and skill. He beat eventual champion Fann 21-19, had only the second plus shot difference in his section and will have come on miles from his first outing; Never-say-die Flo George (Constantia) suffered dehydration, but lost only narrowly and was admired for courage and ability. Marina Brink (Gordon’s Bay) battled gamely, just missed a podium finish and will also benefit.

Juniors: Janita du Toit (Plumstead) has the poise to do better; Scotty Elliott (WPCC) a huge talent will be around a long time, while the elegant, gifted Stephan de Jager (Boland) again won a bronze medal. All scores, results, details, Weekend Argus stories: Warwickbowls.com/ thebowlsblog.com and www.Bowlssa.co.za

Notices:

• EVENT: Thirty-six sides have entered the annual Plascon Classic Trips at Atlantic Green Point from March 21-April 4; top players from Zimbabwe and Namibia, plus SA stars, Kevin Campbell, Alan Lofthouse and Donnie Piketh (JBA); skins format over 18 ends; finals on Sunday AM; all welcome.

• Personal Trust/WP Midweek final: P Pullen, R Maggott, G Bruwer, W Oosthuizen (Durbanville) 20, D Loubser, J Robert, G Todd, K Nash (WPCC) 18

• Venues: Warwick: Bowls SA Men’s National Championships: HQ: Morningside CC; sub-HQ: Ridge Park; BowlsSA Under-19 Development Tournament: HQ: Orangia; Under-25 Interdistricts: HQ: Bloemfontein Municipals; Oud Studente.

• Quiz night: Pinewood, March 11; 7:30pm; hamburgers R20); club price bar; R25 a head for quiz, 8 a team; Ieva: 0215315043/e-mail: inge.hansen@gmail.com

• Pollsmoor: WP U-25 Trips, March 21; 9.30am; R150 a team; any team colours/gender; 2 X 15 ends; skins; good prizes;; music; fundraiser for WP Proteas; Nico Ferreira: 076 542 9740.

• Milnerton: April 25; 9.30am; Leapfrog Milnerton Mixed Trips ; R140 a team; 1st prize R600; 2 x 15; Jenny: 021 551 0979/083 564 4556; Tish: 021 552 4848

It has taken ages to happen, but the WPBA executive has finally ruled delinquents who enter WPBA events, then fail to show without a valid reason will be fined R50. And failure to pay could mean disqualification from all events including Flag and Muter.

Nice one Ron Delport … but it is not enough; make it, say R250?

Several players were “no shows” for the first round of the WP men’s and women’s Open Singles and Men’s Senior Singles last month, inconveniencing opponents, organising clubs and officials, causing delays.

The WPBA is to be lauded for a move in the correct direction. But is this not just a slap on the wrist? Moreover, making offenders’ clubs also responsible might be a further show of strength to underline the governing body means business?

It takes planning and long hours for WPBA secretary Bob Shackleton to organise draws, send them to clubs and deal with legitimate scratchings and re-organisation, without selfish, irresponsible persons not informing organisers they are out.

And just to let those who pooh-pooh the fine know there is more for teams who fail to pitch up: “The executive, shall have the power to reprimand a player or member club, to disqualify a player from further participation in any WPBA or other competition or championship for a period not exceeding two full seasons after the current season, to suspend the membership of a player or member club for a period not exceeding two full seasons after the current season, or to terminate the membership of a player or member club.

You are warned.

It’s Personal trust/WPBA singles semifinals and finals day at Atlantic Green Point today (from 9.15); roll up, roll up and watch our best in action on traditionally the best greens in the province. New names vie with grizzled veterans to make it a day to remember.

Open Singles: men: semifinals C Raysford (Goodwood) v J Binns (Howard); A Lofthouse (Constantia) v A Zartz (Glen); Women: C Cox (Edgemead) v D Goldstein (Constantia); P Steyn (WPCC) v L Maritz (Durbanville).

Senior Singles: Men: F Cillie (Edgemead) v M van Breda (Helderberg); D Loubser (WPCC) v G Brumer (Durbanville); Women: J Meadows (Edgemead) v L Maizel (Atlantic GP); D Purnell (Glen) v F George (Constantia).

Novice Singles: Men: T Ferreira (Milnerton) v G Makalima (Bergvliet), A Walls (Plumstead) v J Johl (Old Oak); Women: S Olivier (Pollsmoor) v L Megaw (S West), P Shepherd (Plumstead) v T Blatt (S West).

Local clubs and individuals are offered a personal touch for the 2011 Warwick/Bowls SA Women’s Nationals Handbook by including ‘friendship/welcome messages to visitors. Not more than three lines for R50 towards printing costs appreciated. Contact André Stoltz, WPBA assistant secretary: 021 531 5872/Fax: 021 531 5210/ wjandrewp@mweb.co.za/website: www.wpbowls.co.za

Bowls SA Gold Squads: Women: Tracy-Lee Botha (JBA), Sylvia Burns (WPBA), Jennifer Jones (EGB), Esme Kruger (BGN), Louise Larkin (PNB), Geraldine Moodaley (NCB), Susan Nel SAB) Belinda Nobin (NIBA), Colleen Piketh, (JBA), Esme Steyn (JBA), Susanna Steyn (BOL). Men: Gerry Baker (JBA), Pierre Breitenbach (NWB), Bobby Donnelly (JBA), Jason Evans (JBA), Morgan Muvhango (SAB), Wayne Perry (SFS), Billy Radloff (BSC), Clinton Roets (SFS), Nicholas Rusling (SAB), Tori Sabatti (WPBA), Gidion Vermeulen PNB), Wayne York (SFS). See Stories, background WWW.warwickbowls.com/thebowlsblog.com

Notices

Plumstead 12-hour Tournament: March 26 from 6.45am-7.30pm; 12 teams of eight per team

(4 men/ 4 women) format: fours (any combo); 6 x 12 ends or 2 hour sessions; R1 000.00 (brunch, late lunch).

It has taken ages to happen, but the WPBA executive has finally ruled delinquents who enter WPBA events, then fail to show without a valid reason will be fined R50. And failure to pay could mean disqualification from all events including Flag and Muter.

Nice one Ron Delport … but it is not enough; make it, say R250?

Several players were “no shows” for the first round of the WP men’s and women’s Open Singles and Men’s Senior Singles last month, inconveniencing opponents, organising clubs and officials, causing delays.

The WPBA is to be lauded for a move in the correct direction. But is this not just a slap on the wrist? Moreover, making offenders’ clubs also responsible might be a further show of strength to underline the governing body means business?

It takes planning and long hours for WPBA secretary Bob Shackleton to organise draws, send them to clubs and deal with legitimate scratchings and re-organisation, without selfish, irresponsible persons not informing organisers they are out.

And just to let those who pooh-pooh the fine know there is more for teams who fail to pitch up: “The executive, shall have the power to reprimand a player or member club, to disqualify a player from further participation in any WPBA or other competition or championship for a period not exceeding two full seasons after the current season, to suspend the membership of a player or member club for a period not exceeding two full seasons after the current season, or to terminate the membership of a player or member club.

You are warned.

It’s Personal trust/WPBA singles semifinals and finals day at Atlantic Green Point today (from 9.15); roll up, roll up and watch our best in action on traditionally the best greens in the province. New names vie with grizzled veterans to make it a day to remember.

Open Singles: men: semifinals C Raysford (Goodwood) v J Binns (Howard); A Lofthouse (Constantia) v A Zartz (Glen); Women: C Cox (Edgemead) v D Goldstein (Constantia); P Steyn (WPCC) v L Maritz (Durbanville).

Senior Singles: Men: F Cillie (Edgemead) v M van Breda (Helderberg); D Loubser (WPCC) v G Brumer (Durbanville); Women: J Meadows (Edgemead) v L Maizel (Atlantic GP); D Purnell (Glen) v F George (Constantia).

Novice Singles: Men: T Ferreira (Milnerton) v G Makalima (Bergvliet), A Walls (Plumstead) v J Johl (Old Oak); Women: S Olivier (Pollsmoor) v L Megaw (S West), P Shepherd (Plumstead) v T Blatt (S West).

Local clubs and individuals are offered a personal touch for the 2011 Warwick/Bowls SA Women’s Nationals Handbook by including ‘friendship/welcome messages to visitors. Not more than three lines for R50 towards printing costs appreciated. Contact André Stoltz, WPBA assistant secretary: 021 531 5872/Fax: 021 531 5210/ wjandrewp@mweb.co.za/website: www.wpbowls.co.za

Bowls SA Gold Squads: Women: Tracy-Lee Botha (JBA), Sylvia Burns (WPBA), Jennifer Jones (EGB), Esme Kruger (BGN), Louise Larkin (PNB), Geraldine Moodaley (NCB), Susan Nel SAB) Belinda Nobin (NIBA), Colleen Piketh, (JBA), Esme Steyn (JBA), Susanna Steyn (BOL). Men: Gerry Baker (JBA), Pierre Breitenbach (NWB), Bobby Donnelly (JBA), Jason Evans (JBA), Morgan Muvhango (SAB), Wayne Perry (SFS), Billy Radloff (BSC), Clinton Roets (SFS), Nicholas Rusling (SAB), Tori Sabatti (WPBA), Gidion Vermeulen PNB), Wayne York (SFS). See Stories, background WWW.warwickbowls.com/thebowlsblog.com

Notices

Plumstead 12-hour Tournament: March 26 from 6.45am-7.30pm; 12 teams of eight per team

(4 men/ 4 women) format: fours (any combo); 6 x 12 ends or 2 hour sessions; R1 000.00 (brunch, late lunch).

Show no mercy to those who flaunt entering events

What would happen if a Formula 1 racing driver failed to turn up on the grid for a race? Answer: Chaos. What would happen if a member of a 4 x 100 relay squad went missing without telling anyone? Answer: Disaster. What would happen if a caddy and clubs failed to make an appearance with his professional at tee time? Result: Embarrassment, frustration and disorganisation. Bowls can be similarly affected.

Although it has taken decades to get at delinquent individuals who cock a snoop at administrators and organisers, seeing fit to enter district events and then mysteriously and maliciously just not turning up, an able Western Province Bowls Association executive have done just that … and about time too.

The WPBA have passed a by-law which spells out to those who enter WPBA events, then fail to show without a valid reason, will be fined R50. And failure to pay could mean disqualification from all other major and minor district events.

And while I applaud president Ron Delport and his cohorts, some might argue that R50 is not enough; hit ‘em where it hurts, I say … with an escalating tariff for repeat offenders.

This season’s opening rounds of the WPBA Open Singles were hamstrung by players who decided, for myriad reasons, which remain unconveyed, to simply not turn up.

This selfish, unacceptable, dare I say annual, situation seriously compromised opponents, organising clubs and officials, causing delays and frustration.

The WPBA is to be lauded for a move in the correct direction. But is this not just a slap on the wrist? Moreover, making offenders’ clubs even more responsible might be a further show of strength to underline the governing body means business?

Nevertheless, it is good governance.

All districts might care to take a peek at extracts from WP’s 2010-2011 Official Conditions of Play – Clause A6 and the extract from the WP Constitution & Bye-laws – Clause 11.

A6 Withdrawals and Scratching:

6.1 Players or teams withdrawing from a district competition after the draw has been published will be required to furnish valid reasons for withdrawing in writing, failing which disciplinary action may be taken in terms of Clause 11.2.3 of the Constitution.

11 Disciplinary Procedures

11.1 The executive, on production of satisfactory proof and due investigation of verbal and/or written evidence as required at the sole discretion of the executive, shall have the power to reprimand a player or member club, to disqualify a player from further participation in any WPBA or other competition or championship for a period not exceeding two full seasons after the current season, to suspend the membership of a player or member club for a period not exceeding two full seasons after the current season, or to terminate the membership of a player or member club.

11.2 Disciplinary action may, at the discretion of the executive, be instituted in respect of the following:

11.2.3 Any player who has entered any WPBA competition or championship but fails to play without a valid reason;

The executive committee, at a meeting on 17 January, 2011, has decided to impose a fine of R50 per player for non-appearance at any WP Competition.

Players will be given a period of grace in which to pay the fine or to furnish valid reasons in writing for withdrawing without advising the WP office or the venue club.

Failure to comply with the executive’s decision may lead to a player being disqualified from further participation in district competitions.

Now that’s fighting talk … players have an obligation to show respect to district body, president and executive, not to mention the hard working secretariat who, annually, select venues, prepare draws and log results.

How would a perpetrator feel if they had a business appointment, or say, a session with a doctor or dentist and no one turned up? What would they have to say?

But then that type of language we would not think of using here.

Route 66 (the Will Rogers Highway after the humorist, and colloquially “Main Street of America” or “Mother Road”) is perhaps the best known US route. Established in 1926, it nevertheless, in South African terms surely pales into insignificance against Route 62, which leads to picturesque Bonnievale, 193km from Cape Town in the heart of the beautiful Boland.

Never heard of it? Shame on you, especially if you are a bowler … its tiny club has just won not one, but two BSA cash awards for attracting most new members and enjoying the greatest percentage of increase against the rest of SA’s 574 affiliated clubs.

Rural Bonnievale increased its registered membership between July 1 and December 31 last year by 32 to 60 (R17 500) – a staggering 114.3% (another R7 500). Moreover, this helped Boland Bowls earn R10 000 (R5 000 for each of Bonnievale’s marks). Moreover, the club has added another eight members this month.

Says club secretary Boetman Wentzel: “We enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and encourage youngsters to join. We make competition easy and fun-filled; locals appear eager to use the club as a satisfying centre for entertainment and sport.”

The BSA executive also awarded R5 000 to Border’s Bonza Bay Bowling Club (near Buffalo City) for outstanding commitment in increasing membership from 16 to 29; first-time new bowlers registered by Bowls SA overall in the period totalled 1751.

The second segment of this competition runs from January 1-June 30 this year … plenty of time for everyone to get busy.

The incentive scheme rules might be tweaked to help further, but whatever, the idea certainly shows bowls is again on the up and up – trying to regain some the glory of the pre-90s when as many 12 80 000 members (about 31 000 today) members were affiliated.

Well done Bowls SA … here we go again

Shaun Addinall, defending champion, dumped from the WP Singles (again at Pollsmoor) in round one for a second time in his career, wryly comments” :I smell a rat, someone doctored my rink, ha ha…” When you are as good as he, an occasional lapse is but a blip. More disappointing is he has had to withdraw from all SA activity – he has no work leave. With World Bowls Down Under beckoning is this clever? A f=gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the still sub-40 Addinall, a senior executive, took seven weeks’ leave for bowls. Other amateur lawn bowls stars battle the same way; crucially, mind-blowing, surely avoidable?. From a WP point of view, big cheer for Tori Sabatti and Sylvia Burns for making their Gold Squads … but what are Theuns Fraser et al doing about Louise Roediger (Strand) or Trish Steyn (WPCC)? Do they know something we don’t? All singles at various venues today from 9am.

Bowls SA requests to up-date members’ e-mail addresses for the national database to be able to inform them of TV dates; BSA’s newsletter is to be similarly sent.

Confusion reigns over payment when WP teams are “away.” For Muter, the fee of R10 a head is paid by the visiting side; for Flag, the home team pays. Clubs may recover visitors fee from their own players by charging R10 home or away; or a double fee to cover visitors’ fees

The annual WP Proteas Fund Raiser (R420 a rink) is on February 13 at Bellville and Howard at 9am. Only one Protea a team; money raised to sending WP to the interdistricts in March. Entries to Riva Myers: rivam@telkomsa.net or 0827400313; indicating North or South venue.

A former SABA president Faan van Vuuren, has died; condolences to his family.