IT WAS golden day for East London as the South African paraplegic men’s lawn bowls team won their triples final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow yesterday morning.
East London’s Deon van de Vyver, ex-East Londoner Roger Hagerty and Derrick Lobban beat out a tough challenge from New Zealand to take the title 13 shots to 11.
It was East London’s first gold of the Commonwealth Games and has come on the back of some top performances from East London athletes.
“At this stage words can’t describe the feeling,” said Van de Vyver.
“It is something I have dreamt about and it is an honour and privilege to win this medal for my country.”
South Africa and New Zealand had met in the sectionals (group stage) and played out a draw, so the team knew what to expect.
South Africa looked to be cruising to victory in the match after taking a commanding lead, but New Zealand turned it around to make it a very nervous finish. “We led 7-1 at a stage and began to think we were home and dry, but New Zealand fought back well and we had to dig deep in the end,” said Van de Vyver.
It was Van de Vyver’s first Commonwealth Games and has become a memorable one after the fantastic victory. “I hope that the win will help raise the profile of our sport,” he said.
East London’s first medal was landed on Wednesday night when KelseyLee Roberts, who was born in the city and attended Hudson Park Primary before moving to Australia, claimed a bronze medal for her adoptive country in the women’s javelin final.
Ex-Selbornian Ncincilili Titi was then in action in the men’s 200m semifinals last night, looking to make it into the later final.
East London trio are golden masters on the bowling green
East London’s Deon van de Vyver, ex-East Londoner Roger Hagerty and Derrick Lobban beat out a tough challenge from New Zealand to take the title 13 shots to 11.
It was East London’s first gold of the Commonwealth Games and has come on the back of some top performances from East London athletes.
“At this stage words can’t describe the feeling,” said Van de Vyver.
“It is something I have dreamt about and it is an honour and privilege to win this medal for my country.”
South Africa and New Zealand had met in the sectionals (group stage) and played out a draw, so the team knew what to expect.
South Africa looked to be cruising to victory in the match after taking a commanding lead, but New Zealand turned it around to make it a very nervous finish. “We led 7-1 at a stage and began to think we were home and dry, but New Zealand fought back well and we had to dig deep in the end,” said Van de Vyver.
It was Van de Vyver’s first Commonwealth Games and has become a memorable one after the fantastic victory. “I hope that the win will help raise the profile of our sport,” he said.
East London’s first medal was landed on Wednesday night when KelseyLee Roberts, who was born in the city and attended Hudson Park Primary before moving to Australia, claimed a bronze medal for her adoptive country in the women’s javelin final.
Ex-Selbornian Ncincilili Titi was then in action in the men’s 200m semifinals last night, looking to make it into the later final.
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