Karkloof – Having occupied every spot from fourth to second at the Sappi Karkloof Trail Festival over the past three years, young Julian Jessop’s eyes are firmly set on claiming that elusive 60km Marathon win when he and some of South Africa’s MTB elite set off from the Karkloof Country Club on Sunday, 28 May.

The dice for the 2016 title was between Jessop and Brendon Davids, however the latter was too strong for the youngster who had to settle for the runner-up position over the 60km marathon route that takes riders through some breath-taking single track.

“I am definitely going out to try and win the marathon at Karkloof,” a determined Jessop said.

“The route follows a cross country format and the descents are really cool which makes the climbing all worth it in the end.

“It is renowned for its single track and with my cross country background I think that it plays into my hands quite nicely. I hope that I can use my knowledge of the course to my advantage during the race.”

The Concept Cyclery Ballito/Cadence Nutrition star expects there to be another strong field at the Karkloof marathon in 2017, but with such a busy schedule on his plate, which included university exams, he hopes he doesn’t run out of steam before Karkloof.

“It is one of the biggest one-day races in the country so I expect there to be a really top-class field there as always.

“I rode the KAP sani2c recently, and am following that with the South African MTB Marathon Championships the following weekend and Karkloof after that I hope that I have enough left in the tank!

“I was injured the weekend before sani2c but with the help of the team at the Prime Human Performance Institute I was able to take part and now I am in the middle of a really tough bit of racing,” the youngster mentioned.

Jessop’s recent performance at the three-day sani2c from the Southern Drakensberg to Scottburgh with partner Andrew Hill has boosted his confidence as he was able to compete with some of the best riders in the country in telling conditions.

“To be able to finish fifth at the sani2c was a real positive for me because I now know that I can compete with the best, even in such tough, muddy conditions.

“Even after my injury I was able to ride well with Andrew and I am really happy with how the three days went for me and for us as a team,” he added.

The weekend before the Karkloof Classic Trail Festival is the South African MTB Marathon championships in Pietermaritzburg, and once again Jessop hopes that he can push for a top result.

“I would love to get into the top five at the national championships, but I am racing in the elite category so it is going to be difficult.

“A top five would be incredible but I will also be happy with a top 10 finish.

“It has been a really busy few weeks for me and so if I can do well at the national champs and then continue that form into Karkloof, I would be really stoked.”

The 2017 Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival takes place at the Karkloof Country Club on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May 2017. More info can be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za

RESULTS:
The Tabs–in Competition held on Wednesday, 10 May and sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick was won by Rita Aitken, Alison Toms and Colin Brown. Runners up were Tiny Lourens, Bev Vorster and Kitty Conradie.
The Tabs–in Competition sponsored by Greendale Kwikspar and Giovision which was to be held on Saturday, 13 May had to be postponed.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 19 May: Tabs–in Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith. Tabs must be in by 13h15. Visitors welcome.
Saturday, 20 May: The postponed Tabs–in Competition sponsored by Greendale Kwikspar and Giovision will take place. Tabs must be in by 13h15. Visitors welcome.
Club colours or whites to be worn for all sponsored competitions.

Members are reminded to check boards for duties and competitions sponsored by other clubs. Tab duty officers may be assisted by The Competition Secretary and Assistant Competition Secretary if necessary.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

Howick - With the 23rd edition of the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival looming large on the trail running and MTB calendar at the end of May, economists and tourism experts have placed the value of recreational outdoor tourism to the Karkloof local economy at R234 million.

Economic spend figures were first derived from research at the 2015 edition of the Sappi Karkloof Trail Festival, using data gleaned from 416 overnight visitors and 1183 day visitors to the event. Results showed that the direct spend into the local economy on the weekend was estimated at R6 017 012, with the broader economic value to the area being R12 million.

To further understand the economic impact of recreational access to Sappi land, studies were performed at the end of 2016 by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal. Researchers concluded that the sport tourism direct value was estimated at R77 million, with the indirect and broader economic value reaching R234 million.

In other words, mountain biking and the highly regarded trail networks in particular are impacting the area positively, through direct and indirect spending by mountain biking tourists.

When compared to similar research conducted in 2013, the study showed that more of the respondents were choosing to stay overnight in the area, even though 90% of the participants were from KwaZulu-Natal.

For Sappi, investing in a high profile event like the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival creates a direct economic injection into the region’s economy in addition to showcasing their plantations and their important environmental initiatives.

"Part of running a sustainable business is managing different types of capital, one of which is social and relationship capital," said Sappi's Communications Manager for Forests, Zelda Schwalbach.

'By virtue of being one of South Africa’s largest landowners, we have many neighbours and stakeholders and it makes sense to engage with communities, including the mountain biking community. It’s helpful for us to have more eyes and ears on the ground in our forests, and we’re pleased that the public can spend time doing what they love on our land through the Sappi MTB Project.

"Investing in the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival is important, as the event allows a showcase of the trails and land, and the positive experience brings people back with their friends and family to the area, thus supporting the local economy” added Schwalbach.

Tourism KwaZulu-Natal commissioned the research into the value of the Karkloof day and overnight visitors, and found it to be a good example of the economic impact of sport tourism.

"Events play a critical role in growing the economy directly and indirectly. Events like this one have a huge economic impact as the employment opportunities are created for the local residents and local businesses benefit. An event of this nature can generate almost 12 million over one weekend," said Ndabo Khoza, the Chief Executive Officer of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal.

"Events that are hosted on an annual basis have a greater potential to create continuous and sustainable economic growth for local economies as well as for the province.

"Sports tourism is a key component of events tourism as well as destination promotion. Sports Tourism assists with seasonality within the sector," added Khoza.

"Sports enthusiasts are always willing to travel anytime and anywhere to see their favourite team or to follow a particular sport that they like regardless of the season. Sports travellers can take an opportunity between events to explore tourist attraction around the area.

"Furthermore, they are likely to take a token back home as reminder of a trip that they took, which then serves as a compelling marketing tool for the destination. If they have enjoyed themselves in that destination, they are more likely to come back as a leisure tourist," Khoza pointed out.

He added that the growth of the event, at a time when others are dwindling, was due to a number of key factors.

"It is not surprising that the event has grown as much as it has because it is very well organized and takes place in a stunning part of the country. Also mountain biking and trail running are growing at a rapid pace in terms of being a sport and also a leisure activity.

"The Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival is a prime example of an event that leaves a lasting legacy in the region in which it is held. Not only does the event have a positive socio-economic impact on the local economy, but it also has created a number of permanent and temporary employment opportunities.

"The fact that the trails can be used all year round shows that the event has definitely created a legacy as it has provided much needed revenue to a number of local residents. Indirectly, the trails also contribute to the local economy through recreational riders as many of these buy food in town or even stay overnight," said Khoza.

"Events such as the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival thrive on corporate sponsorships and if these sponsorships and investments can continue to drive the growth of the event, it is extremely likely that the event will continue to have a very positive economic impact on the local economy," concluded Khoza.

Sidebar
MTB riders visiting Karkloof
79% from KwaZulu-Natal
18% from Gauteng
Average 14,8 trips per year

Trail preferences
Easy single track 9%
Jeep track 9%
Technical single track 51%
Track with jumps and drops 31%

Estimated annual recreational visitors to the Karkloof
4000

Average spend per trip R1783
Average length of each trip - 2days
45% travel more than 5 times per year to ride

Economic Impact
R234 million
Direct value R77 million
indirect value R157 million

The 2017 Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival takes place at the Karkloof Country Club on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May 2017. More info can be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za.

News supplied. 

It is with great excitement that we launch the dates and themes of our upcoming WESSA uMngeni Valley Junior Field Guides programme. Following a very successful first year of Junior Field Guides, we shall start off our second year on the 29th of July by going on a ‘Desert Safari’.

This programme provides young nature enthusiasts aged between 8 and 12 with the opportunity to learn more about the environment and to prepare them for the possibility of a future in guiding or conservation. Learners will follow the FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) junior membership programme, conducted by WESSA. Once the workbook has been completed and a mark of 85% has been attained, a certificate will be issued for the theme ‘Desert Safari’.

Place: WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, Howick
Time: 08:00- 11:30
Dates and Themes:
29th July– Heat and Dust, Home, sweet home
19th August – Under our feet and Keeping cool
16th September – Living together and Birds of prey
14th October – Radical reptiles and the quest for water
28th October – The tree of life and Prowling predators
18th November – Under the stars and Xau’s hope
*Please take note that these dates are subject to change

We would be grateful if you share this information with other parents as well as teachers.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

News supplied by Wessa.

Our greens are now looking good and playing well after a lot of hard work by our greenkeepers, assistant greenkeepers and the advice of the experts. The recent rains followed by warm sunshine have also played a fair part in this improvement.

The Monthly Tabs In Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith Inc. held on Friday, 21 April was well-attended. The winners of the prizes donated by J Leslie Smith and presented by Nathalie Cameron were Tiny Lourens and Barry Fairbrother. Runners-up were Derek Balfour, Chantal D’Hotman and Eric Simpson. Drawn prizes went to Lisa Nagel and Ed Sharp.

We wish our teams playing in the NIBA Senior Trips on Tuesday, 25 April good bowling.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Monday, 01 May (Workers’ Day): : At 09h00 there will be fun bowls for all members and their families. As on the previous public holiday, members of the public who are interested in playing bowls and who might like to come along and give the game a try will be welcomed. Dress Code: Informal. Braai fires will be available for everyone. Bring along your meat, salads, rolls, etc. and enjoy the day. There will be a draw for a voucher from Ray’s Cafe for one lucky person attending the braai.

Saturday, 13 May: Tabs In Competition sponsored by Greendale Kwikspar and Giovision. Tabs must be in by 13h15.
Kindly note that with effect from 02 May, Tuesday morning bowls will start at 09h00 due to the cooler weather. Tabs must be in by 08.45.
Regular tabs in times are as follows: Tuesday at 08h45 (dress is casual); Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15 (whites/club colours).

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club. 

Howick Prep’s 1st XI girl’s hockey team has just returned from an unbeaten hockey tour of Gauteng winning all four of their games. They played outstanding hockey beating Reddam House 6 – 0, Brescia House 15 – 8 (indoor hockey format), Cornwall Hill College 4 – 0 and St Mary’s 4 – 1.

The attached photograph was taken at Reddam House after their 6 – 0 victory.

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School. 

Visit Harvard Electrical Wholesalers to take full advantage of these specials on an induction cooker and an instant water heater.

Our brand new showroom opens early May. We now stock solent designer fans and lifetime lighting outdoor fittings.

There was a very good turnout of bowlers for the Tabs In Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick held on Wednesday, 12 April. This was won by John Withers, Jenny McHenry and Marianne Taylor. The Runners up were: Peter Burton, Jo Boonzaier and David Mainprize. The Lucky Draw prize was Pat Ciro. All prizes were once again presented by Margie Wheelwright representing Halfway Toyota Howick.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, 21 April: Monthly Tabs In Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith Inc. Tabs must be in by 13h15. All registered bowlers are welcome to participate.
Monday, 01 May (Workers’ Day) : Make note of this date and watch club board and press reports for further details.

Pictured: A merry band of bowlers with Monique of Halfway Toyota Howick.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

Do you know that all estate agents should be qualified and hold a current Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) with the governement regulatory body called the Estate Agents Affairs Board? (EAAB). Qualified agents carry their FFC’s with pride, renew them annually and attend on-going training, which they pay for, in order to get their annual Continuous Professional Development points (CPD). Without attaining the required number of points per annum, the FFC will not be renewed.

Many Estate Agents do not register with the EAAB. The consequence of this is that should facts be misrepresented, monies be stolen, etc, causing you financial loss, then you as the Seller or Buyer will not have recourse to the EAAB to refund your loss, as the Agent would not have Fidelity cover in place. It is therefore wise to ask the Agent to provide proof that they are registered with the EAAB by either producing a copy of the FFC, or the ID card that goes with it. As a private individual, you can also log onto the Estate Agency Affairs Board's website where you will find a list of all registered Estate Agents as well as registered Estate Agencies/offices.

Please note that only an Agent who holds a valid FFC may complete the required documentation for an Agreement of Sale. In terms of the regulations, an intern Agent (an agent undergoing their first year of training) who does not hold a full FFC must ensure that a qualified agent,who has held a FFC for more than three years, accompanies them whilst they complete the Agreement of Sale.

The number of registered Estate Agents has decreased from about 88,000 in 2008 to less than 28,000 in 2016 highlighting the fact that most Agents in South Africa are not qualified. It is in your interest to check that your Agent is registered with the Board, as any person who is not registered cannot guarantee a successful transfer of your property. We, at Dormehl Property Group, MIDLANDS, are mindful that for most people the buying or selling of their home represents the largest financial decision of their lives.

Up until 2008, it was very easy for a person to become a qualified Estate Agent. All that was required was for that person to operate as a candidate/intern agent for twelve months or to write the old Board exam. This has now changed, and for the better. All new prospective Agents need to undergo a twelve month apprenticeship as an Intern Estate Agent (NQF4), followed by writing the new Professional Designation Exemption exam. (PDE4) before being considered a full status Agent.

The EAAB also requires that all Conveyancers must comply by only working with Agents that have a valid FFC , thus weeding out any possible fraud and foul-play in the industry. When Conveyancers allow unskilled/unqualified estate Agents to sell property, this means that qualified Agents who have spent time & money to remain qualified and up-to-date, share in the bad reputation that shrouds the industry. So, ask if your Agent & Conveyancer are complying with the regulations? Do you know that an unqualified estate agent is NOT entitled to commission and you can claim the commission back from them.

We at Dormehl Property Group Midlands go further than just being compliant with EAAB regulations, we are also compliant with the other professional real estate bodies such as:

NAMA (National Association of Managing Agents)

REBOSA (Real Estate Agencies Board of South Africa)

IEASA (Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa)

If you have found this article interesting and informative please go and follow our Facebook page and we will keep you in the loop as to what is going on within our industry.

Remember – if you think hiring a professional is expensive, try hiring an amateur.

Cameron Day – Intern Estate Agent - Dormehl Property Group Midlands.

As an extension of what pupils have been taught in class, pupils from Howick Preparatory School recently spent time at the Cradle of Humankind just outside of Johannesburg. The Cradle of Humankind which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 incorporates the Sterkfontein Caves which contain the discovery of a 2.3 million year old fossil, Australopithecus Africanus (nicknamed “Mrs Ples”) which was found in 1947 by Robert Broom. The discovery helped corroborate the 1924 discovery of the juvenile Australopithecus Africanus skull, Taung Child”, by Raymond Dart, at Taung in the North West Province where excavations still continue.

The attached photograph was taken of the group of Howick Prep pupils as they were about to enter the Sterkfontein Caves.

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School. 

The fun day organised for Monday, 01 May proved to be yet another successful event. In the words of one of our younger members:

“What an awesome day.... Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club Rocks. 50 Bowlers with 22 being visitors. The braai, the bake sale and the fun prizes were awesome.... what more can you ask for.... May there be many more fun days ahead. Thanks to all my mates who came to try their hand at bowls today... Hope you guys had as much fun as I did. A special thanks to our sponsors: The Orchard House, Ray’s Cafe, The Treatery and Le Beautique.”

Special thanks is due to Hilary Williams for organising the event and the cake sale and to Graham Sharp, Tim Waring and Mark Taylor for all the effort they put into helping to organise the day and prepare the greens and set up the braai.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, 10 May: Tabs–in Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Tabs must be in by 13h15. Visitors welcome.
Saturday, 13 May: Tabs–in Competition sponsored by Greendale Kwikspar and Giovision. Tabs must be in by 13h15. Visitors welcome.
Friday, 19 May: Tabs–in Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith. Tabs must be in by 13h15. Visitors welcome.
Club colours or whites to be worn for all sponsored competitions.

Members are reminded to check boards for duties and competitions sponsored by other clubs. Tab duty officers may be assisted by The Competition Secretary aND Assistant Competition Secretary if necessary.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

Well done to both Howick Prep boys’ rugby and girls’ hockey teams who returned from very successful tours of Gauteng during the holidays.

The hockey girls remained unbeaten winning all four of their games against Reddam House, Brescia House, Cornwall Hill College and St Mary’s whilst the rugby boys were outstanding in their fixtures against Penryn from Mpumalanga, Parklands from the Cape and Woodridge from Port Elizabeth at the prestigious St Stithian’s Rugby Festival. Thank you to all our valuable sponsors who assisted with the fundraising and making these tours worthwhile and successful:

Georgie’s (Bacon), Bluff Meat Supply (Burger Patties), Bidvest Food Services (Condiments), Carlisle Family (Eggs), Buzi Wholesalers Boston (Flour), Dairy Day (Milk), Pick n Pay (Rolls), Greendale Spar (Rolls), Frosties Farming (Tomatoes), Wedgwood (Nougat Biscuits), Groundcover (Stickbags), TWK (Long sleeved tops, Diesel, Buckets for pancakes), Eco Chill (Rugby Jackets) Howick Travel (1st XI Girls Hockey Kit), Bundu Bashers (Tog Bags), Lythwood Lodge (Raffle Prize of two night’s accommodation for four people), Lavender Company (Raffle Hamper), Olive & Oil (Restaurant voucher for Raffle), Atasca (Restaurant voucher for Raffle), Meander Fine Wines (6 bottles of wine for Raffle Prize), Tops – Merrivale Spar ), Tops – Hilton Quarry, CNA – Hilton Quarry (Irish wrapping paper), Toy Hut – Hilton Quarry, Steampunk – Thokans Lions River (Coffee Beans), Musa Ntala – Howick Falls (Shamrock), Ngi Vela E Africa – Howick Falls (Wicker Basket), Tracey and Steve Wyllie (Coffee), Ian Lawrence (Lettuces), Gail Ferreira (Lettuces), Shannon Conollan (Biscuits), Liz Killian (Sugar, Lemon Juice, Cinnamon), Cebi Nqobile (Milk), Wendy Arnott (Milk).

The attached photograph is of Lara-Lyn Connellan of our 1st XI hockey team during the game against Brescia House in Johannesburg.

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School.

AGC TechJoint was founded in 2007 and has since grown into a national supplier of Corporate and Enterprise Information Technology Products, boasting over 17,000 different line items.

Our product selection is scrutinized on a weekly basis, and compared with our suppliers to ensure that backorders are minimal and delivery turnaround time is better than most.

Offering a complete solution to all our customers, businesses and consumers alike, we have been able to ensure that our National Footprint is firm and constantly evolving.

Our mission is to ensure customer satisfaction on all levels, while rewarding our staff for good performance. This ensures that, as a whole, our company consistently goes the extra mile for anyone who visits our site, or makes use of any of our services.

News supplied by AGC TechJoint.

Go shopping through the home this May at Gifts@Wear.

Decorate your own cupcakes for Mother's Day with Natasja. 

Donate your 'nearly new' clothes and all proceeds will go to Sunfield Home. 

Poaching in Kwa-Zulu Natal continues to be a big issue with financial implications across the board. Poaching is an issue, which cuts across all racial lines thus, when attended to, it is important to be open-minded. This includes investing time in understanding the complexities, which emanate from the conservation ideology of preservation, but has excluded ordinary communities in wildlife conservation.

Since the dawn of democracy, there has been a strong drive for community participation in sustainable utilization of natural resources. This drive however places a huge responsibility on citizens to understand the intricacies of responsible citizenry when it comes to how they relate to wildlife.

Naturalists need to be open-minded in their approach to addressing sensitive environmental issues like poaching. Shock to a communities livelihood can often lead to people behaving unfavourably thus alternatives to  environmental destruction is such a crucial intervention measure. There has been an escalation of poaching within the Thurlow side of Midmar Dam in Howick.Poaching tends to be most prevalent on weekends and on public holidays. A meeting was held to address this matter and included community members who are suspected to be involved in poaching. 

As an outcome of the meeting, it was decided that a mini fishing competition would be organised for the Easter weekend. Fifteen community members took part, in a two-day event, which progressed without any glitches.

The competition served as an important opportunity to highlight poaching and water quality issues. Three Carp weighing 4kg, 2.3kg and 2kg were caught and prizes given to the three winners with a jubilation of all participants.

This is hoped to be a regular event particularly on holidays when poaching tends to be quite rife in the Kwa Zulu Natal Midlands.
Support for this cause would be highly appreciated.

For further details, please contact:
Mr. Samson Phakathi-082 805 4806 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or Mr. Zama Shange- 084 951 7118

News supplied.

Mrs Hall from Amberfield, a regular Merrivale SuperSpar customer turned 100 year old this week.

Merrivale SuperSpar surprised her with a special birthday treat.

Pictured here with her favourite delivery driver, Aubrey and Manager Simphiwe Masango.

News supplied by Merrivale SuperSpar.

8 April 2017 – KwaZulu-Natal mountain biker Stuart Marais blitzed the tacky and slippery four-kilometre cross-country course during the second round of the 2017 KZNMTB Provincial XCO Cup Series at St. Ives in the Midlands in an incredible time of 1:15:43 today.

The in-form rider posted consistent lap times of 11:30, 10:44, 10:43, 10:44, 10:43, 10:38, 10:39 – the traits of a superb cross-country racer (the first lap featured an extended loop). Matthew Wilkinson and Brennan Anderson finished the seven-lap race in second and third places in 1:18:17 and 1:18:33 respectively.

“I had a goal that I’d like to do an under 11-minute lap, and I achieved that so I’m very happy about it,” he said. “I knew it was going to be a fast course and the only way I could push it without any traffic in front of me was to take the lead. The rain last night and the two batches before we raced really settle the dry track from Friday and made it super fast and it flowed so nicely.”

Taking about his goals for the year, Marais’ focus is on the cross-country races with some World Championships being the ultimate goal. “The African Continental Championships in Mauritius in May is first up, then I’ll be heading to Czech Republic and Germany for the two World Cups. Then, it is a build up towards the SA Champs in July. Hopefully I’ll be able to compete in one or two more World Cups and hopefully make the team selection for the World Champs.”

With his focus currently firmly fixed on the short-course racing format of XCO, Marais will embark on some stage races towards the end of the year after the XCO season is over.

Hilton College pupil and cross-country newbie Jordan Wisdom (17) absolutely dominated the B-Batch race with an emphatic victory over his chasers Sam Moore, Werner Moolman, Piers Morgan and Reece McCallum in 1:29:35. With only one other race under his belt this year, that being the Sugar Rush Classic, Wisdom showed immense promise in his newfound cycle racing discipline.

“I was really chuffed with how I did today,” said Wisdom. “I’ve never raced a cross-country before and didn't know what to expect out here. I took off at the beginning and managed to stay in the lead the whole way. I only started riding properly about six weeks ago with Absolute Motion.”

When talking about the course conditions, Wisdom said, “In the morning when I rode the test lap, it was really muddy and I’m glad that the C-Batch cleared it up a bit. The rock garden was really tough, and I went straight over the big rock – the straightest line possible. I’m motivated now and want to race the next one and maybe the SA Cup in Cascades, I just need to up my training.”

Sam Moore (Youth) finished second in the batch in a time of 1:30:40, while Werner Moolman (Veteran) came third in 1:30:59.

Veteran Women’s racer Natalie Bergstrom is back in action on the XCO circuit, recording the win in a time of 1:31:42 and finishing sixth overall in the batch. Christie-Leigh Hearder finished second, in 1:33:00.

Jonathan Watts and Jordan Bold dominated the C-Batch race, passing through the start/finish area on each lap neck-in-neck and both recording a finish time of 56 minutes 31 seconds. Barring any incidents on the course, it was going to be one or the other that took the victory, and it was the extra “Watts” that counted as his wheel was ahead by a whisker. Watts’ final lunge across the line is what probably sealed the deal.

Speaking about his win, Kloof resident Watts said that it was always going to be a tough race against a rider like Bold. “We both pushed each other the whole way, our racing is always close like this. I felt pretty strong and I wasn’t sure if I would get the win at the end. We both came around the last corner at the same time and it was pretty close. I came to practice this track yesterday and it was quite dry, but it rained last night so it got a bit slippery and muddy. I love this track, especially the rock garden and the lovely singletrack is my favourite part.”

Mark Potgieter, a Master category rider, finished in third place overall in 58:49.

Sabine Thies, hailing from Wartburg, was the strongest female rider on the day, finishing in fourth position overall in a time of 59:53. Thies represents the Youth category, while fellow Youth Megan Bircher and Sub Junior Chloe Bateson finished second and third in 1:01:03 and 1:02:33 respectively.

This season’s new batching format has created added excitement to the XCO races. The participants’ no longer race against their age group, but also race against those with similar strength and riding ability, regardless of age. This format offers fresh new competition to those used to winning their respective age groups in the past.

The next event of the 2017 KZNMTB Provincial XCO Cup Series is round number three, which takes place at Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday 3 June. Keep an eye on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KZNMTB/ for details and information closer to the time.

Summary of Results for the KZNMTB Cup Series #2 (Saturday 8 April)

Batch A (7 laps)
1.Stuart Marais (Senior) 1:15:43
2.Matthew Wilkinson (Senior) 1:18:17
3.Brennan Anderson (Senior) 1:18:33
4.Jedson Tooms (Senior) 1:19:19
5.Sithembiso Masango (Senior) 1:19:20
6.Komborero Bere (Senior) 1:19:20
7.Sean Merredew (Sub Veteran) 1:19:42
8.Carl Calverley (Sub Veteran) 1:20:58
9.Dean Wortmann (Senior) 1:21:25
10.Gareth Cook (Senior) 1:22:13

Batch B (7 laps)
1.Jordan Wisdom (Junior) 1:29:35
2.Sam Moore (Youth) 1:30:40
3.Werner Moolman (Veteran) 1:30:59
4.Duane Stander (Sub Veteran) 1:31:05
5.Chris Helmbold (Veteran) 1:31:41
6.Natalie Bergstrom (Veteran) 1:31:42
7.Thomas Cheatle (Junior) 1:32:56
8.Christie-Leigh Hearder (Senior) 1:33:00
9.Piers Morgan (Veteran) 1:33:12
10.Craig Stone (Sub Veteran) 1:33:13

Batch C (4 laps)
1.Jonathan Watts (Sub Junior) 0:56:31
2.Jordan Bold (Sub Junior) 0:56:31
3.Mark Potgieter (Master) 0:58:49
4.Sabine Thies (Youth) 0:59:53
5.Megan Bircher (Youth) 1:01:03
6.Allan van Heerden (Master) 1:01:38
7.Andrew Mcckinnon (Master) 1:01:53
8.Chloe Bateson (Sub Junior) 1:02:33
9.Daniel van der Watt (Sub Junior) 1:02:51
10.Warren Moolman (Sub Junior) 1:02:56

Nipper Boys
1.Luca Zietsman 0:32:43
2.Logan Stander 0:32:43
3.Matthew Horter 0:34:19

Nipper Girls
1.Hannah Elliot 0:35:53
2.Jodi Mackinnon 0:36:34

Sprog Boys
1.Omar Wilson 0:40:30
2.Liam Theunissen 0:42:33
3.Keagan Brand 0:45:06

Sprog Girls
1.Riley Smith 0:46:46

News supplied.

The club event held on Friday, 07 April attracted a fair number of bowlers with more arriving later to share in the meal and presentation of awards. Special mention must be made of the honour bestowed on Barbara Wyatt who was awarded Honorary Life Membership. She was presented with her Hon. Life Member badge, a Certificate and a large bunch of flowers. Our 2016 Championship Winners were also presented with their trophies. Due to unforeseen circumstances this presentation had been postponed indefinitely.

On Saturday, 08 April the Tabs In Comp sponsored by Greendale Kwikspar and Giovision was won by Ian Andrews, Denise Rocher and Eric Simpson, The runners-up were Colin Burden, Clark Logan and Margie Holl. The winner of the Lucky Draw for a voucher from Greendale Kwikspar was Pat Ciro and the winner of the voucher from Ray’s Cafe was Alan Gilliat.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, 12 April: Tabs In Comp sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Visitors are welcome. Tabs must be in by 13.15. Dress code: Club colours or whites.

Monday, 17 April: The Club Novice Singles will be played, commencing with an open draw at 09.00. Novices who are eligible are requested to be at the club by 08.45. Please note this is a ‘knockout’ competition. Dress Code: Club colours or whites.

At 09h15 there will be fun bowls for all members and their families. Members of the public who are interested in playing bowls and who might like to come along and give the game a try will be welcomed. Dress Code: Informal.

Braai fires will be available. Bring along your meat, salads, rolls, etc and enjoy the day.

NB Club members are reminded to check the notice boards for NIBA competitions, club competitions and events organised by other clubs.

From Left to Right: Graham Sharp (President’s Award); Rita Aitken (Ladies’ Singles, Ladies’ Pairs); Neil Wright (Novice Singles); Jo Boonzaier (Ladies’ Pairs, Mixed Pairs, Mixed Trips, Victrix Ludorum); Clark Logan ( Men’s Singles, Men’s Pairs, Mixed Pairs, Mixed Trips, Victor Ludorum); Barry Bedworth (Mixed Trips)

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.