This wonderful tournament is now over for another four years.  Many friendships were renewed and many new friendships formed by all of us.  The venue “œWestern Province Cricket Club”, Newlands, Cape Town was a wonderful venue. Four lovely manicured grass greens running at around 13 seconds so slower to what we have here. We had gone prepared for plenty or practice time though and were invited to visit three other bowling greens around Cape Town which we did.  Kelvin Grove, the closest to our hotel was very much a “˜sport’s venue” with a tennis court, croquet green and bowling club all together with a magnificent function hall where our “Banquet” on the Final night was held.  They also, in their cafe, made the best toasted sandwiches.  We spent two days on these particular greens, nice and handy for us as they were within walking distance.

The Opening Ceremony was held on Sunday afternoon 19^th March with all teams marching on to the green.  Very colourful.  The NZ Blind Jacks, on more than one occasion was complimented on their uniform.  The black and the white always stands out.  On Monday 20^th all the games got underway and it was in lovely warm temperatures around the mid to high 20’s.  I think a lot of the Scottish players were noticing this as many had left snow only a few days beforehand.  Bit of a contrast.

On the Tuesday 21^st, the temperatures rose to ridiculous levels and during the afternoon, it was predicted that they were in the very high 30s, closer to 40 degrees. All play was suspended for a couple of hours due to the heat.  When they resumed play, all games were reduced to the minimum requirements of : Pairs 8 ends and Singles first to 15 shots.  This was disappointing for many of us as there was plenty of daylight hours left for us to all have completed the games in full.  That was the decision made and we had to accept that.

Sunday 26^th was a free day and many of the players with their directors had booked various tours around Cape Town.

Monday 27^th, it was back on the bowling green again for us all.  Tuesday morning 28^th, was the final games for everyone with the closing ceremony and medal presentation being held in the afternoon.  The farewell dinner was held on the Tuesday night, a very well organised evening with lovely food.  Thoroughly enjoyed by all.

FINAL RESULTS FOR THE NEW ZEALAND BLIND JACKS

Silver Medal   David Monk (Kath Monk)  Men’s B1 Singles

Silver Medal   David Stallard / Sue Curran (Peter Blick/ Ann Muir)   B3 Mixed Pairs