Two lawn bowlers from the Basin, Stefan Koen of Somerset West Bowling Club and Susan McKay-Vlok of Helderberg Bowling Club, have achieved the prestigious double in Singles Bowls in the Western Province by winning the Western Province Open Singles titles as well as the Western Province Singles Champion of Champion titles in the same season.
According to the official records of Western Province Bowls this had not been achieved by any male or female bowler in Western Province in the last 25 years.
After both came out on top in March this year at the Western Province Open Singles Champs for men and women they both took the Champion of Champion titles in hard-fought finals played late last month (June) at the Durbanville Bowling Club.
After fighting through tough play-off rounds McKay-Vlok had to beat Elize van der Sandt of the Glen Country Club in the semi-finals before defeating Darryl Edwards from Constantia Bowling Club in the final. Stefan won his semi-final against Brian Isherwood from Helderberg Bowling Club after coming out on top in the play-off rounds before beating Renier van Zyl from Malmesbury Bowling Club in the final.
Both Koen and McKay-Vlok have been playing bowls from an early age, both crediting their fathers for having a great impact on their choice of sport.
She at present is a Western Province bowler and has already represented the WP A and B side for a few years at Interprovincial and Inter-District Level. McKay-Vlok also gives credit to her coach and mentor Douglas Cochlan, who has been dedicated to assisting her in her development to “sort little glitches in her delivery out” and who was there when she needed some help to focus mentally.
“I use size-1 Aero Groove Bowls, and although I have played with most types of bowls I prefer my Aeros to any other bowl,” McKay-Vlok said.
Koen started playing bowls after he was introduced to the sport by his late father at Stellenbosch Bowling Club.
“I have been privileged to play with and against some great bowlers,” he said. “Some of my great memories is winning a gold medal at the Inter-Districts whilst representing Western Province. Players such as Kevin Cambell, Neil Burkett and Jason Evans, whom I have played against, have had great influence on my career.”
Koen, who uses a Drakes Pride Professional 4 Heavy Bowl, also plays for Western Province on a regular basis.
