09-02-2008, 01:38 PM
PRESS RELEASE FROM WPCC BOWLS
Chairman of WPCC Bowls, Mike Connolly, today issued the following statement:
It is with great sorrow that I have to inform all bowlers in the Province that we shall be
losing the services of Neil Burkett for 3 years commencing in January 2009. Neil and his
wife, Sheila, will be going to sunny Sydney, where Neil will be taking up the position of
Player/Coach of the Premier League Club, Cabramatta.
Neil has given sterling service to Club, Province and Country in a wonderfully
distinguished career. He received his first South African colours in 1983 and since South
Africa’s re-entry into international sport in 1992 he has played over 500 representative
games for South Africa – a unique achievement indeed. Neil considers the highlight of his
achievements was his winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal as skip of the South
African Fours team in 1994. This was followed by 2 bronzes and a silver in 1998, 2002 and
2006 respectively. He also won silver and bronze in World Bowls Championships. Neil has
played bowls in some 17 countries in the world, whilst on the local scene he has won 17
National and numerous Provincial titles.
Neil won many honours at WPCC and his huge contribution to the Club was recognized
last December when he was awarded Honorary Life Membership. Happily, he will be
available to play for us in the first half of the up-coming FLAG season – and I would warn
all our opponents that he is still thirsty for victories!!
Neil will be sorely missed by us all – the memory of his friendly smile, his wonderful instant
recollection of names and faces and his unfailing willingness to give help and advice to
even the most modest bowler will always be cherished by those who were fortunate
enough to meet and play with him.
We at WPCC wish Neil and his family everything of the best for their exciting time ahead in
Australia and will look forward to renewing old acquaintances when he returns for annual
leave from his new club.
MIKE CONNOLLY
Chairman – WPCC Bowls Section
30 August 2008