From October 19 to 20, 2024, the much-anticipated Cheetah Challenge brought together six districts for an exhilarating display of skill and sportsmanship in lawn bowls. The competition was intense, with each district showcasing remarkable talent and determination.
The tournament featured outstanding performances, culminating in thrilling matches that captivated both players and spectators alike. The men’s results saw Mpumalanga take first place, followed closely by JBA in second, and SFS claiming third.
The final standings for the men were as follows:
1. Mpumalanga
2. JBA
3. SFS
4. Sedibeng
5. North West
6. Limpopo
In the women’s competition, JBA emerged victorious, followed by North West and Mpumalanga. The women’s final results were:
1. JBA
2. North West
3. Mpumalanga
4. Sedibeng
5. SFS
6. Limpopo
The overall tournament results showcased JBA as the standout team with 62.5 points, followed by Mpumalanga with 56.5 points. The complete standings were:
1. JBA – 62.5 points
2. Mpumalanga – 56.5 points
3. North West – 49.5 points
4. SFS – 48.5 points
5. Sedibeng – 48 points
6. Limpopo – 23 points
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors: Ermelo Toyota, Suzuki, Coastal Hire, BKB Ermelo, Karoo Ochse, Valuers Afrika, M.O.T.H.S, JWL, ACSU, Signs to See, Overland, Ermelo Glas, and Midway. Your support was instrumental in making this tournament a resounding success.
Special thanks also go to our dedicated exhibitors: Kids Toys, Shakira Clothing, Jummy Bites, Party Time, Something 2 Do, and Letties Donuts for enhancing the event experience.
A massive thank you to Gerda Swanepoel and her formidable team of club members, whose hard work and commitment ensured the tournament ran smoothly. We also appreciate Alna Basson and her team for providing delicious food throughout the event, and Fritz Olmesdahl for maintaining the greens in perfect playing condition.
We would like to acknowledge all the players for their competitive spirit and sportsmanship, as well as Wayne York for his incredible efforts in organizing the tournament. We encourage everyone to continue practising to foster the growth of the sport and prepare for future competitions.
A special highlight of the event was the meet and greet with well-known Protea players Gerry Baker and Jason Evans, which brought a delightful opportunity for some of the Mpumalanga junior players to engage with their idols.
As we reflect on the thrilling matches and camaraderie witnessed during the Cheetah Challenge 2024, we look forward to even greater achievements in the future. Together, let’s continue to elevate the sport of lawn bowls!