Press Release - for Immediate Release 

BRILLIANT PIKETH DOWNS WORLD CHAMP TO WIN GOLD FOR SA

11 March 2016 

Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday. - Colleen Piketh, South Africa’s most versatile and successful bowler in the modern era defeated an arch rival on the last day of the 6 Nations Test series to take the coveted gold medal in the blue riband singles.

The Johannesburg star from Bedfordview CC beat world No 1 Karen Murphy 21-14 in what was described as a showcase of excellence.

Piketh drew blood early and it was not until the fourth end before world champion Karen Murphy hit the scoreboard. 
By the seventh end Murphy lead 5-4 and when Piketh picked up a three on the eighth end Murphy reacted by taking the next three ends and the lead 9-7.

Piketh replied with nine unanswered shots to lead 16-9. Murphy is not a world champion for nothing and she brought the score back to 16-12 before Piketh closed out the game to take the top prize.
On an adjoining rink, SA No 1 Gerry Baker had his hands full with Australian singles expert Aron Sherriff.

The multiple world champion Jackaroo was in sublime touch and although the left-handed Baker produced his usual sterling display the Australian won 21-8 – a score that does not altogether accurately tell the tale of the game.

Belgravia Baker’s silver medal is just reward for a week’s hard labour – a wonderful effort.

A stunning victory and a runner-up spot to cap an event in which South ended third overall with a gold, a silver and two bronze medals against the world’s best. A similar showing in World Bowls at the same venue later this year would be welcome.

Australia ended most successful with four gold medals, two silver and bronze from New Zealand, the hosts earning three gold medals two silvers and a bronze; fourth were Malaysia with two silver, followed by Wales with a silver and a bronze and Scotland with three bronze medals.

Piketh and Rudi Jacobs (see below) now fly on to Warwilla BC in NSW for the World Cup Singles from next Wednesday until March 23bo