Groenkloof hosted our third annual Absolute Bowls Competition (ABC) on Saturday 7 March.
Some of our regulars may notice the name change from the previous Ultimate Bowls Competition — but rest assured, the bowls were still very much ultimate.
A strong field of 18 teams took to the greens. The format consisted of five rounds of five ends, played using the Swiss draw system (which basically means strength vs strength, and occasionally luck vs panic). Each team therefore played five matches against five different opponents, which kept everyone guessing about who they would face next.
A Finish That Went Down to the Last Bowl
The competition outcome remained in the balance until the final bowl was delivered. When the dust settled, four teams had each won four matches and lost only one — proof that the competition was both fierce and evenly matched.
The final standings were therefore determined on aggregate score, which produced a clear winner.
🏆 First place: Team Delta – Mike, Jonty and Fanie
Their impressive aggregate of 170 points secured the title.
🥈 Second place: Team Oscar – Vinay, Johann and Derick
They finished with a very respectable aggregate of 87 points.
Congratulations to both teams on excellent performances.
Prizes and Other Questionable Achievements
Cash prizes were awarded to the winners, runners-up and third place, while the coveted wooden spoon also found a deserving home.
Special prizes included:
- Best Lead: Sarie
- Most Touchers: Team Kilo (Rodney)
Both achievements are highly valued… especially the touchers.
The People Behind the Scenes
The ABC event was a great success, thanks largely to a small army of helpers who ensured that everything ran smoothly:
- Peter – organising, purchasing and ensuring the braai was properly sorted
- Jaan – for being Jaan: positive, full of suggestions and always filling the gaps
- Naren – supplying the boom box and the soundtrack to the day
- Ramesh – for the much-appreciated samosas and drinks
- Danie – taking photos and assisting with the braai
- Carin – capturing and double-checking scores (a critical and occasionally stressful role)
- Carl – setting up the draws and determining the standings
- Suprise – preparing the greens, which were in excellent condition despite persistent rain and a few lawnmower challenges
- Lettie, Surprise and Frankie – attending to the many small details that make an event special
A big thank you also to all the participants, whose enthusiasm and good spirit made the competition such an enjoyable occasion.
As always, we learned a few lessons (some bowling-related, some organisational), and we will use these to make the next event in 2027 even better.
Until then — keep the bowls rolling.
Here are some photos from the day: