Bodill prevails in SA senior singles
CANDICE BRADFIELD
KOWIE bowler Harold Bodill won the Bowls South African Men's Nationals Senior Singles at the playoffs which took place in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
"I'm ecstatic,” he said.
He has not competed in nationals regularly since 2002. He last took part two years ago with this being his second time in 10 years. .
| THE PRIDE OF HIS CLUB: Harold Bodill (centre) of the Kowie Bowling Club won the National Senior Singles in Port Elizabeth recently, and was presented his trophy by Bill Kilburn from the sponsors, Warwick, and SA Bowls president Debra Ferguson Picture: SUPPLIED |
He has always been involved in sport, having played soccer for Port Elizabeth United and Grahamstown City in his youth. He got involved with bowls, or "old man's marbles”, in 1983 because he wanted to keep himself occupied.
"I used to go fishing for relaxation but the wind changed my mind,” he said.
Bodill took part in his first national competition in 1984, just after he had started playing the game. His team won at fours and he was runner up in the pairs section at nationals in 1987.
In 1989 he was part of the Eastern Province (EP) team that sent on to win the inter-district that year. Over a 10 year period he won EP Fours on numerous occasions as well as EP Singles, Pairs and Trips.
Since he retired in 1991, Bodill has been playing three times a week. What he likes about bowls is the camaraderie.
"It's a good pastime. You don't have to be 100% fit but its jolly good exercise,” he said.
He said that those looking for entertainment should consider bowls which is not only for the old but younger generations as well. Games last about three and a half hours and there are usually four in a team. The lead goes first, followed by second, third and skip which means that you are not on your feet throughout the game.
This weekend Bodill will be playing Eastern Areas Senior Singles at the Kowie Bowling Club.
