Annual Ladies Classic played in great spirit

The annual Pam Golding Ladies’ Classic was played on May 10 and 11 at the  St Francis Bay Bowling Club.  24 Eastern Cape teams from as far afield as Port Elizabeth played in this Classic.  The competition was graced with glorious weather and greens in perfect readiness.

The winners from the Walmer 8^th Bowling Club were Bertha van Niekerk, Ilda Forbes, Joan Saunders and Jenny Hollis.  Richard Arderne of Pam Golding, St Francis Bay, who sponsored the event and presented prizes to each of the teams, and St Francis Bowling Club President Johan Rust, both congratulated the teams on a competitive competition played in true spirit of comraderie and fun.

But perhaps the most enthusiastic cheer went up for the spirited team number 24 from Western Suburbs Bowling Club in Port Elizabeth who showed that bowls is truly a sport for anyone to enjoy competitively.  Team members Jeanette Roberts, Rose Meyer and Wilma McLachlan played with Cecile Kritzinger who is visually impaired. Infectiously enthusiastic Cecile has been playing with blind bowlers since her condition was diagnosed in 1988. She has competed as a blind bowler at national level achieving twelve medals, three of which were gold, but relishes the opportunity for the tougher competition of playing with sighted players.

“This event is made possible by our sponsors and by the wonderful spirit of our club members,” commented club committee member Joy Wicks. “Our sponsors are Pam Golding in St Francis Bay, who sponsor our cash prizes each year, Viking Bakery who supplied all our breads and bakes, the Village Superspar who contributed a R1500 voucher for groceries for the event, and Barron’s Grill who supplied the pizzas for our lunch.”

“As always, St Francis Bay bowlers were all happy to help with catering, serving and supplying accommodation for visitors as well as contributing donations towards prizes for each team,” she added. “We’d like to thank them all because it’s this combined effort and commitment that not only make our events possible but which put our club on the Eastern Cape bowling map.”

“Our ‘braai meesters’ all cheerfully reported for duty for Tuesday evening’s braai while we were entertained by Toby Haring with his fantastic music. And Toby added a really special touch by serving all the ladies a glass of sherry during the final game.”

“Although we are all here for the competition, we like to take the opportunity to remember those less fortunate than ourselves and this year we organised a “Spider” competition. Each bowler who participated donated a sum to the donation kitty and this sum totalling R500 will be presented to St Francis Hospice,” concluded Wicks.

Anyone keen to try their hand at bowls or who would like to know more about the St Francis Bay Bowling Club can call club secretary Pam Stark on 0721228536.