BSA Masters: Baker lays down the marker

Gerry Baker made a perfect day at Wingate Park Country Club.

Gerry Baker’s legendary career was celebrated on the eve of the 2024 Bowls South Masters at Wingate Park Country Club and then showed why he is still a force to be reckoned with.

Playing in his 31st BSA Masters, the talented left-hander promised that he still has the hunger and desire to win. It is those attributes that spur him on to compete at the highest level following his retirement from the Proteas setup.

Baker is searching for what is, to this date, an elusive sixth BSA Masters title as he currently stands tied at the top with the great Doug Watson. Knocking on the door to join the “Five Club” is current Proteas star Jason Evans, who quickly racked up four titles.

On Friday, Baker showed why he is a man to be feared at this level when he beat Wayne Roberts, himself a Protea and gold medallist at the 2023 African States Championship, in game one 21-14.

In game two, Baker needed to dig deep against Johannesburg Bowls Association teammate Victor Siphali, a player who has proven tough to beat in any of the four bowls’ disciplines over the past three seasons.

Siphali was in front for the majority of the contest before Baker turned on the style and picked up twos and threes almost at will before running out 21-17 winner. Down the home stretch, it was Baker who scored 13 shots to Siphali’s one as he flexed his skills.

At the same point, Evans was also two from two following wins over Eden’s Billy Radloff and JBA’S Shaun Thomas. Those wins stretched Evans’ unbeaten run in this event at Wingate Park to 19 matches.

Evans though came unstuck to Proteas singles ace Wayne Rittmuller in a tightly-fought contest to throw that section a little wider open.

Back to Baker and it was a case of all eyes on him as he faced up to the challenge of rising star Paul White.

White, not yet 30 years old, has taken a leap up in his game which culminated in beating three Springboks in a row to win the 2023 National Men’s Singles title.

Baker and White traded early blows but matters were level midway through the race to 21. White then took advantage of a rare slip from Baker to power to a 19-12 advantage.

White was unable to match the might of the comeback that Baker launched as he displayed his never say die attitude to all watching on.

Baker accumulated the next few ends to reduce the margin to 3 before setting up the win with an excellent display of drawing as he claimed the points on offer with a 21-19 victory.

“It was a good day for sure,” said Baker.

“I had to dig really deep in all three matches but I’m happy with how things ended up obviously. There is a long way to go but I’m proud of how I managed to show some good fight against top quality opposition.”

Baker added: “Paul certainly played well and has a bright future. He has lots of shots in his armour and keeps you on your toes with some of his aggressive play. He came close to winning the game on two ends, so it. could’ve been a different story but I guess I will take the win and move on to tomorrow. It’s going to be fun out there as everyone is capable of beating everyone.”

Baker faces Bradley Robinson, runner-up at the 2022 National Open singles, from Natal Inland in the opening match on Saturday. The pair famously came from the death to win the 2023 National Open pairs title and are more familiar playing on the same side rather than battling it out against each other.

“My game is feeling good and I’m happy with two wins from the opening day,” said Robinson.

Also a left-hander, he knows he will need to be at his best against Baker if he wants to muscle his way into the frame for a place in the gold medal match.

“I’m ready for it. It’s going to be a titanic match, always is against Gerry but I’ve done my work in the buildup and played nicely on Friday.”

Robinson didn’t mince his words when it came to the BSA Masters.

“It’s at the top of the bucketlist for sure.”

In the same section, Brendan Ferns entertained his home town supporters with his typical brand of attacking play en route to a perfect day of three in a row.

In section 1, defending champion Niksa Benguric also started with a perfect day. He faces Rittmuller in the opening match on Saturday.

In the Women’s Open division, Esme Haley and Sega Mokoto lead the way with three from three in section 1 with section 2 wide open with four players tied with two wins and a loss.

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