MIKE RYAN and CYPRIAN GUARD
Forest Hill Construction has concluded another brilliant season of night bowls by winning the second edition of the 2024 competition at Kowie Bowling Club on Friday, after their success earlier this year.
They have now won the team competition three times in a row, which is a night bowls record. Second on the podium were Plumbrite followed by Kenny’s Sports bar in third spot.
“The Pick ‘n Pay sponsored Night League Bowling competition that ended last Friday – after nine-weeks of play – has concluded another phenomenal season, cementing its position as one of Kowie Bowling Club’s most significant fundraisers,” said media liaison member, Mike Ryan
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pick ‘n Pay Port Alfred for their unwavering sponsorship and support.
“The installation of permanent floodlights on the “C” green enabled us to host two competitions this year. The first night league of the year in February, saw Foresthill Construction emerge victorious, closely followed by Pre-owned Auto and Kenny’s Sports,” said Ryan.
“Both competitions (of the year) were a resounding success, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. The teams’ creative dress codes added a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and personality, while the good-natured banter between rivals added to the competitive atmosphere.
“The success of the Night League is a testament to the dedication and hard work of individuals like Cyprian Guard, who has been the driving force behind this event. We also appreciate the tireless efforts of our volunteers, grounds team, bar staff, and the Lion Club for their contributions throughout the year.
“Kowie Bowling Club would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all who participated, including members, sponsors, the community, and friends from far and wide, for their unwavering support throughout the year. We look forward to the next chapter and can’t wait to see what thrills await us,” added Ryan.
Organiser Cyprian Guard was in his element with the growth of night league competition and the standard of play.
“What an end to a phenomenal night league of bowls.
“Kowie Toyota played some of the best bowls I’ve seen them play all season to deny an off form Plumbrite, overall winner status,” said Guard.
“Congratulations to Forest Hill Construction for winning the Pick n Pay-Kowie Night bowls league for the third time which is a great feat. Kenny’s Sports came in a distant third, 12 points behind second-placed Plumbrite.
“In the Blue section GuestRevu Bomb Squad performed like stars, until the last two games to win promotion. They won the Blue section handsomely which is an awesome achievement,” said Guard.
Airschool played some of their best bowls to win promotion to the Red section while Pam Golding steadily improved as the league went on.
In the White section, newcomers, SA Mooney performed consistently well, but were just pipped at the post and denied promotion to the Red section. However they did make up for the disappointment by winning the White section and are promoted to the Blue section, said Guard.
“Stenden, Serene It and Dummy Dodgers all improved over the course of the nine weeks.
“Typically as it is with all sport, there were nights when teams played like All Stars before experiencing a slump. That’s why we have to respect teams that overcome these bumps in the road and bring it back on track.”
Guard said special mention should be made of teams who embraced the sport of bowls taking time out to practise and hone their skills for competition during the week.
“We’ll done. Remember, you are welcome to ask for a bit of coaching to avoid practicing bad technique,” said Guard.
“On behalf of our sponsors Pick n Pay and the Kowie team it was an honour to host all the teams. They made Fridays nights at our club something really special to behold with their laughter, passion, the shooters, the chirping but most of all, their amazing spirit which shone through.
“Thanks to our green keepers Denny, Andy, Zulu and Ambrose and Lammy for helping out and looking after the cars, Nossie and Lundo for running the bar. Thank you to Dave and our committee for their support and all the Kowie members for giving up their spare time to help.
“Our gratitude to Colleen and our ladies who helped with catering and cleaning and to Judy and Andrea who helped with the scoring, as well as to Lions for their great support in feeding us and raising money for charity.
“A special thanks to our incredible sponsors Pick n Pay for your huge support in making our night league happen and all the teams the players and their loved ones who contributed to make Fridays a night of joy at the Kowie Bowling Club. Have a wonderful festive season and see you In February.”
- This article was first published in Talk of the Town, December 5, 2024. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.
