Peter Richards Pairs

Freddie Fouche and Colin Peake returned earlier this week from Botswana where they competed in the annual Peter Richards International Lawn Bowls Pairs Tournament. They ended in third position.

This Pairs tournament is held every year in Francistown and is hosted by the Francistown Bowls Club. “We could not have asked for more from the hosts. They really made us feel at home and provided us with great food,” commented Freddie.
Seven teams entered the Men’s section, namely Botswana A, Botswana B, Botswana C, Botswana D, Zimbabwe A, Zimbabwe B and Namibia. The Ladies’ section comprised six teams. Namibia did not field a Ladies’ team this year.
This Tournament is used by the Namibia Bowling Association as a platform for the development of up and coming bowlers. This year was no exception, as Freddie Fouche and Colin Peake are two bowlers who show a great deal of promise.
“The tournament was great and is great to participate in The competition is strong and is used for development,” commented Freddie. About the competition itself he said: “The greens were playable but some rinks had their challenges.”
Colin Peake has been playing bowls since the age of twelve. He grew up in a bowls environment as both his father and brother are avid bowlers.
Cricket is Peake’s main sport, but he makes time for bowls when-ever he can. He commented that it was his second time playing in the Peter Richards tournament. “Last time we ended second. This time third. The tournament was well run and very enjoyable.”
Namibia had a bye in the first round and played Zimbabwe A in the second round. They were, unfortunately beaten 18-12. In the third round, they fared much better by beating Zimbabwe B 17-12. In round 4, they were again successful by beating Botswana B 16-13, but crashed out in the third round when Botswana C defeated them 33-10.
Undeterred, they fought back in round 6 and narrowly defeated Botswana D by 17 shots to 16. The pair ended their tournament on a high note beating Botswana A by 28 shots to 18.
The final standings were as follows:
Zimbabwe A 15 +25; Botswana D 12 +23; Namibia 12 -10; Botswana B 9 +28; Botswana A 9 -7; Botswana C 3 -11 and Zimbabwe B 3 -48.
Pictured: the participants at the Peter Richards International Lawn Bowls Pairs Tournament in Botswana.