Hi All

Contrary to widely held views amongst the non-bowling public, the game of lawn bowls requires a lot of skill and practice before one can seriously challenge the best in the game. I consider myself one of those competitive types who play to win at any sport, always humbly accepting defeat when beaten (Often!) complete with lifting my hat and shaking the hand(s) of the opposition. After all, “It’s not whether you win or lose but how you play the game!”

This last weekend I, along with most of Harare’s leading bowlers, was invited to join the crème-dela-crème of bowlers from Kadoma, Chinhoyi and Chegutu to play in a well-organised Bowls tournament at the Chegutu Country club. There were 10 mixed pairs all playing 6 sets of 12 ends proudly wearing their home club colours.

I had previously never ventured off the main road when passing through Chegutu, so I was pleasantly surprised by the Bowling Club setup – the bowling greens are, in my opinion, easily amongst the best in Zimbabwe playing very true but fast (Stimpmeter reading about 15!)  Club Chairman, Collin Delport, and his team deserve the heartiest thanks for the high standards especially given that there are so few helpers on the ground. 

Local Chegutu lady, Caryn Sinclair, freshly back from commendably representing Zimbabwe in the World Champ of Champs in Australia, tirelessly put together this top-drawer event. Attention to detail and timing are always so important when hosting this kind of competition, with Caryn even booking us visitors into suitable overnight accommodation. I’ll make sure I accept the promised rematch of the Chegutu Bowls weekend this time next year (watch this space!) At the end of Saturday afternoon, we were all treated to a special view of the sun setting behind a Jacaranda tree in full bloom. Then there were the two braais with fires blazing whilst we mixed with Chegutu Club’s friends and family. Good to witness that the high bowling standards of yesteryear are, once more, returning to our districts. 

Ciao Mike.