The strident chords and words of the Royal Navy’s Hearts of Oak might be in order when Personal Trust/WP try to wrest the Perfect Delivery/BowlsSA Interdistricts Tournament trophies from 19 other hopefuls in March.

“…We’ll fight and we’ll conquer again and again…” rests largely in the men’s division with their skips – the sublime Kevin Campbell (Glen CC) and the fearless Neels Kotze (Constantia); the Disa’s women, champions in 2010 and runners-up last season, are sure to again feature on the slick Johannesburg greens from March 12-16

The men’s selectors have gone for a blend of experience and youth in both Open and B sides; perhaps the glory of a decade ago might be rekindled.

The women’s team contains several international and SA Masters players, but the absence of WP’s top player Trish Steyn (WPCC) and prodigy Janita du Toit (Plumstead) because of work commitments must be a disappointment.

Nevertheless, we wish them well and look for glory … as we do each season.

Open: Men in Johannesburg: : Kevin Campbell (Glen CC), Peter Harvey (Constantia), Tori Sabatti (Durbanville), Gavern Williams (Constantia); Neels Kotze (Pollsmoor), AD Fourie (Stel vd Stel), John Malan (Stel vd Stel), Schalk Kotze (Old Oak); manager: Jimmy Morgan. WP B: In Southern Cape: Grant Greyling (Plumstead), Eugene Ferreira (WPCC); Raysford Cruywagen (Goodwood), Ian Saunders (Constantia); Heinz Schliesser (Edgemead), Stefan de Jager (Stel vd Stel), Paul Ferns (Stel vd Stel), Mbulelo Soji (Helderberg), Manager: Lionel Verwey; Seniors: At Sables: Alan Lofthouse (Constantia), Brian Pearman (Plumstead), Gert Bruwer (Durbanville), Trevor Wright (Plumstead); Daniel Loubser (WPCC), Bobby Cron (Constantia), Roley Maggott (Durbanville), Marthin van Breda (Helderberg); manager: Maurice Moyles,

Women: Marina Brink (Gordon’s Bay), Darryl Edwards (Constantia), Sylvia Burns (MILCOS), Susan Mckay-Vlok (Helderberg); Louise Roediger (Strand), Rene Swanepoel (Durbanville), Anita Groenewald (Edgemead), Antro Whicher (Constantia); Manager: Maureen McLeod; WP B: Connie Finikarides (Oakdale), Maggie van Zyl (Durbanville), Rita Himschoot (MILCOS), Jill van Rensburg (Mowbray); Jeanette Raad (MILCOS), Moira Standley (Constantia), Michelle van Zyl (Goodwood), Lydia Maritz (Durbanville); manager: Rehle Slabber; Seniors: Rita Burger (Durbanville), Marie van Vuuren (Strand) Flo George (Constantia ), Sussie Boonzaier (Strand); Pat Stallwood (Durbanville), Nina Painter (Helderberg), Anita Quinn (Durbanville), Margaret Thomas (Durbanville); manager: Joey Lieuwma.

The tab of the enfant terrible of WP men’s bowls Brian Smith is now with his Maker. Brian, who died at the weekend after a short illness, took no prisoners on the green; off it, he was a charming amiable guy. I spoke to him not 10 days ago at his beloved WPCC where had been a member for many years. Small in stature, but larger than life, he represented South Africa with distinction as a senior Protea, WP district open and senior sides and was a multiple champion at every level of competitive bowls. I best remember Brian from the Wanderers a few years ago. Playing in the finals of the national trips with Neil Burkett and Danie Loubser, the irascible Smith was dissatisfied with the amiable Burkett, who he claimed had “given the fours away” earlier in the week. During the trips game, Burkett played a wonder shot; “why didn’t you play like that in the fours?” he shouted up the green. “Smithy” will be sorely missed by all, but always remembered by family, friends and the many that suffered his tongue and skills on the greens.

Dates and times for the screening of the Test matches between South Africa and Namibia at Constantia Bowling Club, Cape Town, are: December 14 at 5pm-6pm; SuperSport 205, December 15, 11am-12 noon; SS 206; December 16 at 3.30pm-4.30pm; SS 205; December 19 at 9am-10am; SS 206; December 21 at 5.30pm-6.30pm; SS 206; December 23 at 3.30pm-4.30pm; SS205.

WP host the 2012 men’s and women’s All Cape Tournaments simultaneously from May 5-12; the WP Greens Standing Committee will visit all 38 Clubs by the end February. Clubs are asked to forward motivation for consideration as HQ – criteria such as good playing surfaces, adequate catering and bar facilities, office space, parking, security are but some of the vital items to be considered. The zoned combo tournament returns to two points for a win, one for a peel; closing date, January 31; R400 a team; accommodation available (www.wpbowls.co.za) Committee: Doreen de Power (chair), Jan Venter – handbook/printing, Bob Shackleton/John McKeag – records, Maurice Moyles – greens, Alan van Freden – CTO handbook/ technical, Elaine Wilsnagh – catering/sponsors, Riva Myers – catering/handbook. Contact: De Power: 0214237672/0827424945.

Would-be singles players at the Warwick/BowlsSA Nationals in May can enter via a qualifying event at the venue. Spots available depend on district qualifiers’ entries and replacements – 10 days to go; the “Presidents Pick” spots – eight in open, four in seniors – become available to “pre-qualifiers.” KO decides; withdrawals from the main event will not be replaced during qualifying. Any player withdrawing during pre-qualifying gets a R100 fine. Dates: May 17 – 18: singles pre-qualifying; pairs: May 19-20 (1st play-off Sunday pm); May 21-22: fours: (1st play-off on Tuesday pm) Singles: May 23: (round robin; sections of four); May 24 (singles KO; pairs/ fours play-offs; May 25-26 (all play-offs) May 27 (semi-finals/finals). Pairs/fours daily play three rounds of 15 ends until the semi-finals.

Bobby Donnelly and Tracy-Lee Botha of Johannesburg will represent South Africa in the 2012 World Cup (indoor singles) at the Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club near Sydney, Australia from March 25-April 5.

Notices:

• Schonenberg Retirement Village/Somerset W Novice Mixed Trips; February 12 & 19;

• 9am; 3 X 14 daily; R180 team (arrival coffee/snacks/lunch); closes Feb 5: Pete Sneller: 0218518819.

• Schonenberg Retirement Village/Stellebosch/Van der Stel Mixed Trips All Day; March 15; 9am; R195/team (tea and lunch); 3 X 14; Marlene Lambrechts 0218865158/0827291730/Lmarlene@telkomsa.net

• Somerset West; 50th Roelcor Meats/Sally Pooke Day; wear some bling; women’s fours; 3 X 14 March 6; 9am; R220 a team: Lyn Thomas: 0825656871;/0218524408 (after 7pm); Joan Marais 0218515189.

• Strand: 11th Réhle Slabber Classic; March 1/2; R20 000 prizes; mixed 4s; R700 a team; (light breakfast,teas, lunches, supper) 3×15; Contact: Koot Strauss: 0218544776/0837601250; Sussie Boonzaier: 0218547720; 0760367286; club: 0218536625.

• Echelon Private Client Glen Midweek Fours; Feb 15, 22, 29; March 7, 14, 21 R80 a team a week; any format; 1st R4 000; + many more; Harold Cohen 0836514742; Philip Marcus 0827722292; office 0214381512

• Helderberg Mixed Sixes; April 13/14; 3 x15 ends daily; teams of s ( 6 x trips, 3 x pairs, 3 x fours, all mixed; first 18 teams accepted; Peter Human: 0218528368/0828712162; Joe Hodge: 0218520436/0833080390