Matabeleland, Mashonaland East dominate bowling tourney

Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
MATABELELAND and Mashonaland East Bowling Associations dominated the inter-regional lawn bowling tournament which was held in Harare a fortnight ago.

The participating regions were Matabeleland, Mashonaland East and Midwest Bowling Associations.
Matabeleland won the men’s tournament while Mashonaland East scooped the ladies’ championship.

The tournament was also used to select a team that will represent Zimbabwe in the World Bowls next year.

In the men’s section, the winners Matabeleland finished with 63 points and a shot difference of 155. Mashonaland East, in second position, finished with 61 points and a shot difference of 94. Midwest managed to get only 19 points and a shot difference of -249.

In the ladies’ section, the winners, Mashonaland East finished with 54 points and a shot difference of 54. Matabeleland, in second position, had 51 points and a shot difference of 56. Midwest finished last with 39 points and a negative shot difference of -110.

Speaking to Chronicle Sports, national treasurer for Bowls Zimbabwe (BZ), Kevin Robert McGeoch said they are happy to have had lawn bowling back after the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions and also in time for the World Bowls next year.

“BZ has been unable to play any significant tournaments due to covid lockdowns and restrictions, however as regulations became relaxed, we have been able to get lawn bowling going again this year.”

“It was essential this happened as the men’s and ladies’ teams had to be selected for World Bowls 2023 before the end of the year,” said McGeoch.

Bowls Zimbabwe has one more tournament on the calendar this year – the Club Champion of Singles Champions – but are still waiting for clubs to confirm participation.

McGeoch wishes to see the sport being as popular as football and cricket and they are trying to have it introduced in schools.

“Lawn bowls is not a hugely popular sport in this country when compared to soccer or cricket, for example. All district associations are trying to find ways to encourage and attract new bowlers all the time,” McGeoch said.