adminThe men’s trips team comprising Roy Garden, Mike Elton and Clive Robertson drew against the hosts South Africa 13-13 in the first match of the tournament before losing in the pairs 13-18 where they were represented by Tom Craven and Manuel Silva.
Zimbabwe’s trips team had walked tall in the first round of the afternoon game when they beat Zambia in a competitive match 10-7.
The end of the match saw Zimbabwe winning as they beat Zambia 16-11. In the pairs section Zimbabwe failed at the hands of Zambia 22-18.
Christie Kapata, pairs skipper, was happy with their performance and he hopes they will keep the momentum in the following games.
“We played very well and we are happy, we hope will keep playing well,” said Kapata.
Diane Senna and Oabona Motladiile represented Botswana in the pairs and got their first victory against Namibia whom they beat 18-11.
Motladiile believes they will perform well against Zambia today after a successful performance against Namibia.
“We just need to win the next three games, then we will scoop medals. I am happy with our play. It was not bad, it was a good start,” said Motladiile.
Zimbabwe men’s team manager Robbie Robison said the bowlers played well and were still hoping for the medals.
“The bowlers played well, the games are competitive and I am sure we stand a chance of scooping some medals.
“This was our first match and we still have other games, we lost against South Africa in the pairs and drew in the trips,” said Robison.
The tournament saw a massive turnout in the morning as yesterday was the opening ceremony.
In another match South Africa were in top form when they beat Swaziland 25-9 in the pairs before dismissing them in the trips by 21-8.
Kenya drew 19-19 against Botswana in the trips before winning 17-15 in the pairs. South Africa beat Swaziland 22-18 in the trips.
But the women’s pairs team which was represented by Jane Rigby and Debbie Robertson managed to raise Zimbabwe by winning when they led the country to a victory over the hosts by one shot in a tough encounter that ended at 16-15.
While the pairs team walked tall it was a sad start for the trips which saw the likes of Kerry Crave, Heather Singleton and Trish Davies taking part and they lost 19-16.
In their second match of the tournament against Zambia, Zimbabwe were in top form as they beat them 27-10 in the trips before losing by one shot in the pairs and ended at 19-20.
Zimbabwe, who are ranked among the favourites in all categories, received byes in the first round matches while South Africa, Swaziland, Kenya, Botswana and Zambia tussled for places in the singles and fours matches.
In first round matches, South Africa’s Bobby Donnelly, who led his country to three gold medals in the 2009 Africa States Pairs, Trips and overall competition beat Don Bilgnaut from Swaziland 21-4 and gave his team a good start with two points.
Donnelly then beat Bowes 21-0 in his last game. Compatriots Jason Evans, Wayne York, Billy Radloff and Pierre Breitenbach also had a good outing when they won all their games and got eight points.
Their ladies team of Esme Kruger, TracyLee Botha, Jenny Jones and Esme Steyn contributed to a fine day when they edged Namibia 19-12 in the Fours.
Online Reporter