Parkhill Bowls Club celebrates their centenary in style

Cheryl Waterman

The greens of Parkhill Bowling Club were a riot of colour and camaraderie this Easter weekend, as 144 bowlers from across the country gathered for the club’s landmark 100th anniversary Easter Tournament — an event made possible thanks to the continued support of Hollywoodbets and CMH Nissan Ballito.

Running from Saturday through Sunday afternoon, the tournament once again confirmed its place as a highlight on the bowls calendar, blending fierce competition with unmatched fun and fellowship. 

Parkhill BC President Graham Schouten was quick to acknowledge the sponsors’ critical role in the tournament’s ongoing success.

“We’re immensely grateful to Hollywoodbets and CMH Nissan Ballito for their unwavering backing,” Schouten said. “This year was especially significant as we celebrated our centenary. Their support helped us deliver a top-class event that reflected the spirit and heritage of Parkhill.”

In celebration of the 100th anniversary, a unique gesture was introduced — every participant received a sponsored bowling shirt, proudly worn during Sunday’s play.

“Seeing 144 bowlers in matching sponsored shirts on the final day was truly memorable,” added Schouten.

Saturday’s activities began with the popular auction of team sections, carefully structured to combine established talent with rising potential.

The auction raised an impressive R35,250 and with 60% of the pot allocated to the bidder whose section included the tournament champions, the stakes were high from the outset.

After a gruelling day of three 16-end games, the field was split into three tiers: the top 12 teams advanced to compete for the R62,000 Cup prize pool, while the remaining teams contested the Plate (R17,000) and Bowl (R7,000) sections.

Sunday’s two ladder games determined the top four in each category, setting the stage for intense playoff action.

Ultimately, it was the formidable side of Dougie Bashford, John and Richard Connellan and Marc Rogers who claimed the R30,000 Cup first prize, showcasing consistency and class throughout the weekend.

Their victory also proved lucrative for James Evertse from Collegians BC in Pietermaritzburg, who bid on the winning section and walked away with R21,150 from the auction pool.

Second place in the Cup division went to Neil Tovey, Gary Watson, Chris Coetzee and Shaun Barlow who earned R16,000, while Peter Garrett, Antoon Claasens, Alan Durose and Don Oliphant rounded out the top three with a R10,000 prize.

In the Plate competition, Leon Lotter, Gerdus Beukes, Les Lothian and Ian Oehley triumphed and secured the R8,000 top prize, while Colin de Jager, Phillip Whitton, Keith West and Brian Masters claimed R4,000 as winners of the Bowl section.

Veteran bowler and winner John Connellan praised the tournament’s atmosphere and execution: “I honestly can’t remember how many times I’ve played in this tournament, but this one stands out. The level of play, the organistion, the catering — and those sponsored shirts — it was truly a weekend to remember.”

As Parkhill Bowling Club reflects on a century of bowls and looks ahead to the future, this year’s Easter Tournament proved a fitting tribute — driven by tradition, community and the generous support of its sponsors.