Boland shade EP women in final

A TOP week of bowling action came to a fantastic conclusion at the weekend when Boland women and Western Province men triumphed in the finals of the South African B Inter-Districts tournament held at the Gonubie Bowling Club in East London.

Boland beat Eastern Province 41-36 in the final to take the crown in the women's section, while WP beat Sables 39-29 in the men's division.

EP had finished top of the blue section in the women's division, setting up the final against the surprise-package Boland team who pipped Gauteng North to top their group.

In the final, EP found themselves down and could not claw their way back as Boland took the gold by five shots.

"We did brilliantly, absolutely brilliantly, and the girls gave 100%," Boland manageress Dorothy Boucher said.

"Last year we ended second last out of 20 teams and to come this far is fantastic."

Before the event EP had set a target of making the finals, according to manageress Yvonne Olivier.

They reached their goal, but could not get the gold unfortunately. "The team has played good bowls and have combined well over the tournament.

"At the end of the first day we were second in the section and thereafter we were top of the section until the final.

"We have thoroughly enjoyed the event.

"The team gelled wonderfully well and the venues were fantastic," Olivier said.

In the men's division, WP finished top of the blue section and Sables headed the red section.

Their final was closely contested, especially in the second game where WP and Sables peeled at 16-16, but then WP powered on to take the gold medal, winning 23-13. - Ross Roche