Experience trumps youth as Fours last 16 is decided

It was a memorable day of bowls in Johannesburg as the BSA Men’s Nationals continued to delight spectators.

From 26 sections filled with six teams for the most part, the fours field is down to just sixteen teams.

Four of the 16 are from Morningside Country Club but unfortunately Jason Evans’ side will come up against Heinz Schliesser’s quartet for a place in the last 8.

At the top of the draw, two Correctional Services sides will do battle in another unfortunate playoff route.

Through in the bottom of the draw is the side featuring Neil Burkett, Bobby Donnelly, Garth Wait and Evan Strugnell.

Burkett and Donnelly are well known to all in the bowls fraternity through their years of service to the national team.

Still as competitive as ever, they were forced to dig deep and showcase all their streetsmarts in the playoff round before the last 16 on Tuesday afternoon.

Chomping at the bit to take down a “Goliath” was the young Cape Town side made up of Tyler Pitcher, Steve Vaughan, Daniel Vaughan and Luke Ellis.

Young, enthusiastic and keen on the game, the Cape side progressed with a flawless record into the playoffs.

“It was a great couple of days and just having the chance to play the legends was something special,” said Pitcher.

“We gave it our best shot but I guess, you could say that experience was better than youth on the day. It was a tight game and I’m proud of my team. I think that it will do them the world of good having gone toe to toe with Burks and Co.”

Humble as always in victory, Donnelly was full of praise for the youngsters.

“This is what the game needs, they might not have been playing for a long time but you can feel their energy and gees.

“They seem to be on the right track and I’ll be keeping an eye on them to see if they can go one better at the next big event.”