Story by Mthokozisi Dube, Sports Reporter
Master Strikers were crowned winners of the inaugural 12-team Bowling tournament held in Bulawayo at the weekend.
The inaugural three-day Bowling Premier League tournament saw 12 teams drawn from across the country fighting for honors.
Four bowling premier league tournaments are on the cards this year, with three in Bulawayo and one in Harare.
Speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural tournament, Organiser Lionel Coventry said they intend to stage more games, with the playing format set to be revamped.
“We have teams coming from all over the country, Mutare, Kadoma, Chegutu, and Harare. The plan is to have teams play against each other from different places. There is prize money,” he said.
National team selector and veteran bowler Terry Bowes lauded efforts to revive the sport while calling for the introduction of the sports code in schools.
“There is plenty of talent and this can go a long way in promoting the sport. We are having a look at other people for the future. Wonderful tournament. We have founders as one of the schools that have started embracing the sport,” he said.
Harare-based Highlands player Mike Hopper is convinced better days lie ahead in the sport.
“This is a good initiative. Together with Lionel we have been working hard to revive the sport hence we decided to come up with the bowling premier league tournament and we intend to host four tournaments this year,” he said.
Last year, Zimbabwe participated in the 44 Nations World Bowling Championships in Australia and came 15th.
