Firwood BC hits the sweet spot with festive fun

IN a sporting world constantly chasing youth and energy, lawn bowls has often been overlooked—labelled as a pastime for retirees. But Firwood Bowling Club in Queensburgh is changing that narrative in all the right ways.

Led by the forward-thinking Alta Joubert, the chief steward and events coordinator, Firwood is proving that bowls can be social, competitive and a whole lot of fun.

With clubs worldwide struggling to grow and retain membership, Firwood’s strategy is refreshingly simple: make time at the club memorable.

Their inaugural Christmas in July tournament did just that. The greens were full well ahead of the entry deadline, a sign of the club’s growing appeal.

Big names from Port Natal Bowls turned up, ready to battle for bragging rights and generous prizes.

The atmosphere was festive, thanks to the hard work of the committee and support from members and sponsors. Roger and Samm Boulle donated a popular Aero and Grippo hamper, won by a delighted John Connellan.

Arnold Muscat kept the crowd buzzing with a slick team auction, while Kyle Venter and Chris Strover live-streamed the action. A cheeky R50 one-bowl challenge added an extra competitive twist, with the winner walking away with the pot.

When the toucher marks settled, Duncan Buckthorpe and Kim and Lorinne Hawkins from Queensburgh BC walked away R6000 richer, proving that local talent runs deep.

Hillary’s Marc Rogers, Brett Burger and Warren van der Sloot grabbed second, while Craig Worst and his Hillcrest lads clinched third place.

As Alta Joubert puts it, Firwood is “A Club with a Vision”—and clearly, that vision includes breaking moulds, building community and showcasing that bowls can be as much about laughter as it is about line and length.

Judging by the success of this event, that vision is very much on course. Firwood has shown what’s possible when passion and community come together. Other clubs would do well to take a page from their playbook.

While the Christmas tinsel may be packed away, the league action remains red hot. In the men’s first division, Westville BC retained their lead by squeezing out 22,5 of a possible 34 points against Parkhill and Northlands. But Parkhill weren’t going to be left behind—after a fruitful weekend clash with Westville and Amanzimtoti, they banked 23,5 points, leapfrogging Umhlali CC and trailing the log leaders by a mere 1,5 points. With another double-header ahead more drama is on offer, Westville hits the road twice to take on Hillary and Hillcrest, while Parkhill will travel to Umhlali and then host Stella Park on Sunday. In a skins race like this, every end counts.

In the women’s A division, debutants Mount Edgecombe stole the spotlight by beating early leaders Stella Park 10–2, jumping to the top of the log. Hillary’s win over Umhlali lifted them to second, while Stella Park dropped to fourth. This week sees the ladies travel to Umhlali CC where Mount Edgecombe face Hillcrest and Hillary take on Stella Park in what could be a pivotal round.