Latest news with #Firwood
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Firwood BC hits the sweet spot with festive fun
Christmas in July winners Duncan Buckthorpe, Lorinne Hawkins and Kim Hawkins with club President Alex Ferguson. | SUpplied Image: Supplied IN a sporting world constantly chasing youth and energy, lawn bowls has often been overlooked—labelled as a pastime for retirees. But Firwood Bowling Club in Queensburgh is changing that narrative in all the right ways. Led by the forward-thinking Alta Joubert, the chief steward and events coordinator, Firwood is proving that bowls can be social, competitive and a whole lot of fun. With clubs worldwide struggling to grow and retain membership, Firwood's strategy is refreshingly simple: make time at the club memorable. Their inaugural Christmas in July tournament did just that. The greens were full well ahead of the entry deadline, a sign of the club's growing appeal. Big names from Port Natal Bowls turned up, ready to battle for bragging rights and generous prizes. Second placed Brett Fields, Marc Rogers and Warren v.d. Sloot with Club President Alex Ferguson. | Supplied Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The atmosphere was festive, thanks to the hard work of the committee and support from members and sponsors. Roger and Samm Boulle donated a popular Aero and Grippo hamper, won by a delighted John Connellan. Arnold Muscat kept the crowd buzzing with a slick team auction, while Kyle Venter and Chris Strover live-streamed the action. A cheeky R50 one-bowl challenge added an extra competitive twist, with the winner walking away with the pot. When the toucher marks settled, Duncan Buckthorpe and Kim and Lorinne Hawkins from Queensburgh BC walked away R6000 richer, proving that local talent runs deep. Hillary's Marc Rogers, Brett Burger and Warren van der Sloot grabbed second, while Craig Worst and his Hillcrest lads clinched third place. As Alta Joubert puts it, Firwood is 'A Club with a Vision'—and clearly, that vision includes breaking moulds, building community and showcasing that bowls can be as much about laughter as it is about line and length. A happy John Connellan is presented with the Aero and Grippo hamper by Samm Cooper-Boulle. | Supplied Image: Supplied Judging by the success of this event, that vision is very much on course. Firwood has shown what's possible when passion and community come together. Other clubs would do well to take a page from their playbook. While the Christmas tinsel may be packed away, the league action remains red hot. In the men's first division, Westville BC retained their lead by squeezing out 22,5 of a possible 34 points against Parkhill and Northlands. But Parkhill weren't going to be left behind—after a fruitful weekend clash with Westville and Amanzimtoti, they banked 23,5 points, leapfrogging Umhlali CC and trailing the log leaders by a mere 1,5 points. With another double-header ahead more drama is on offer, Westville hits the road twice to take on Hillary and Hillcrest, while Parkhill will travel to Umhlali and then host Stella Park on Sunday. In a skins race like this, every end counts. In the women's A division, debutants Mount Edgecombe stole the spotlight by beating early leaders Stella Park 10–2, jumping to the top of the log. Hillary's win over Umhlali lifted them to second, while Stella Park dropped to fourth. This week sees the ladies travel to Umhlali CC where Mount Edgecombe face Hillcrest and Hillary take on Stella Park in what could be a pivotal round.
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Firwood Bowling Club hosts successful Newbies tournament for novice bowlers
Securing second spot were Firwood's Tye Smit and Kevin Temple with Shaun O'Brien. | Louisa Human Image: Louisa Human Cheryl Waterman On Saturday May 3, Firwood Bowling Club rolled out the welcome mat for fresh talent as they hosted the monthly Newbies tournament—a competition dedicated exclusively to bowlers with four official years or less on the greens. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Envirosan and Shaun O'Brien, the event continues to grow in popularity, giving new bowlers a well-matched and encouraging environment to develop their skills and compete with confidence. This month's event saw 26 pairs teams take to the greens, showcasing a mix of spirited competition and friendly camaraderie. With two games of ten ends played in a 2-4-2 format—which rotates players through both lead and skip positions—the tournament gave participants a valuable opportunity to test themselves in both roles. The format, which awarded one point per end and two points per game, ensured every bowl counted. Plate winners from Wentworth, Terence van der Westhuizen and Dave Pittaway with Shuan O'Brien. Photo: Louisa Human Image: Louisa Human After the first round, winners moved forward to face other first-round victors, while those on the back foot had a shot at redemption in the plate section. At the end of a lively morning's play, it was Hillcrest BC's Colin Wagner and Marcel Wichura who emerged victorious, notching up an impressive score of 20 + 29. Close behind in second place were Firwood BC's Kevin Temple and Tye Smit with 18 + 14. Queensburgh BC's Swan Hezlett and Margaret Brown rounded off the top three with a solid performance. The plate section also delivered its share of competitive excitement. Wentworth BC's Terence van der Westhuizen and Dave Pittaway claimed the top spot ahead of Joe Owen and Ryan Reynolds from Durban Collegians BC. Plate winners from Wentworth, Terence van der Westhuizen and Dave Pittaway with Shuan O'Brien. Photo: Credit Louisa Human Image: Louisa Human Feedback from participants echoed a recurring sentiment: the Newbies tournament is a rare and welcome chance to play on more even footing, with strength matched against strength. Many confirmed their intention to participate until their Newbie status expired. Among the competitors were four young bowlers preparing for upcoming challenges in the PNB Under 25 Singles and the PNB Junior Masters Championship, scheduled for 24–25 May at Amanzimtoti BC. Firwood's Tye Smit, along with Queens BC's Keanu Karanja and sisters Jade and Taylor Laden, all praised the Newbies tournament for its inclusive, relaxed atmosphere. Firwood's Tye Smit and Queens BC's Taylor Laden, Keanu Karanja and Jade Laden have qualified for the top 8 Under 25 playoffs. Photo: Louisa Human Image: Louisa Human
