By Vishal Surendra Shah.
The 2024 edition of the Kenya Bowling Federation (KBF) Coast Open championships was held in Mombasa with the tournament culminating on high octane.
All roads led to the Mombasa Sports Club over the Easter holidays in April for the most coveted Championship in the Kenya Lawn bowling calendar. Bowlers from Nairobi, Limuru, Njoro in Nakuru and Mombasa converged for the championship which included competition in two disciplines namely Pairs and Fours.
This year, the Coast Open was held from 29th March 2024 to 1st April 2024. The Competition Secretary of the Kenya Bowling Federation (KBF) Mr Andrew Jones forwarded invites to the captains and Hon Secretaries of the Member Clubs including Nairobi, Karen, Muthaiga, Limuru and Njoro. Registrations started coming in from Member Clubs. We had 17 teams registered in the Pairs Championship and 9 teams registered in the Fours Championship.
On 29th March 2024 Good Friday of Easter, Bowlers started arriving to pay entrance fee and confirm their participation. Opening Ceremony followed which was conducted by the host club Captain Athman Mohamed.
After which the KBF Competition Secretary Mr. Andrew Jones took charge and explained the house Rules and the Championship commenced as scheduled from 9.30am. The Fours Championship started first. This discipline entails a team of 4 Bowlers each playing with 2 woods only. This actually tests your skill of Bowling. It’s a very interesting discipline. The second round was the Pairs Championship…here the bowlers play in teams of 2 with 4 Woods. The first day and part of the second day the league rounds were played to decide who qualifies for the Quarters of the Pairs and Semis for the Fours.
Pairs Championship semifinalists were Team Andrew and Team Kitosi. Team Anwar and Team Kjellan. Finals of the Fours Championship were between Team Andrew and Team Anwar…..Team Anwar of Mombasa clinched the Gold Medal and defending champions Team Andrew settled for the Silver. Pairs Championship Finals were between Team Kitosi and Team Kjellan both teams from Karen Bowls…..
The championship ended on 1st April 2024 at 4pm. Mombasa Sports Club Vice Chairman Mr Kirti Chaniyara graced the ceremony…..he is also a Bowler…..thanked all upcountry bowlers for making an effort to travel and participate. The next KBF championship will be held in October 2024.