Schoeman and Smith claim Zululand bowls titles

IN somewhat oppressive weather conditions, an excellent field of 18 women and 38 men participated in the Zululand Open Singles tournament played last weekend.

Sectional play at both Mtunzini and Richards Bay having been completed on Saturday, section winners gathered at Richards Bay on Sunday for the knock-out stages.

In the women’s quarter finals, Anita Scott (RBY) beat Sharon Nicoll (EBC) 21-11, whilst Rita Meyer (EBC) accounted for Yvonne Steenkamp (RBY) 21-18.

The first of the women’s semi finals was a somewhat one-sided affair when Marelise Theunissen (RBY) was unable to repeat her giant killing act of section play when she beat last year’s champion, Ronell Greeff, and was soundly beaten 21-5 by a far more experienced player in the shape of Essel Schoeman (RBY).

The second semi final, played over 26 ends, was a much closer affair with only a shot or two separating the players throughout.

Anita Scott (RBY) contrived to keep her nose in front from the start and on the 25th end was leading Meyer by a single shot (18-17).

A two and a single on the next two ends was enough for Scott to book her place in the final by 21-17.

In the final, Scot was unable to get to grips with her game, and Schoeman took full advantage to only lose two ends and score a runaway victory by 21 shots to 2.

This was her first Zululand title, and I am sure there will be more to come.

In the mens quarter finals, Barry Mutlow (RBY) beat Dion Leaity (RBY) 21-4, Aggie Aggenbach (RBY) beat Mike Butler (ESH) 21-18, Vlekkie Visser (RBY) beat Brian Scott (RBY) 21-16 and Paul Smith (RBY) accounted for Grant Walters (RBY) 21-16.

The first of the semi finals was an extremely close contest, with the players peeling on no fewer than six occasions.

Playing the 23rd end, Smith led by a single shot (19-18) and two successive singles was enough for him to put an end to Mutlow’s run by 21 shots to 18 and claim his spot in the final, both players having scored on 12 ends.

The second semi final between Aggenbach and Visser was definitely a case of deja vu.

The players peeled on five ends, Aggenbach scored on 12 ends, Visser on 13 and Aggenbach went through to the final with another 21-18 victory.

Another excellent game.

The final between Smith and Aggenbach seemed to be heading for something of a runaway, when after 10 ends Smith had opened up a 13-3 lead.

But Aggenbach dug deep and over the next 13 ends outscored his opponent by 15-7 to close the gap to two shots (18-20).

Once again. however, a single shot to Smith on the 25th end and he claimed the title with a deserved 21-18 victory.

It should be noted that Smith is a relative newcomer to Zululand, having recently emigrated from the Western Cape and I feel certain that a great deal more will be heard about him in the future.