Cheryl Waterman
On Wednesday, September 25, Mount Edgecombe Country Club was the scene of high-stakes action as their bowls section hosted the finals of the Port Natal Bowls Midweek Trips Leagues.
The competitions featured both men’s and women’s teams, with each final offering its own display of skill, determination and strategy.
In the men’s final, it was an all Westville Bowling Club showdown, with two Wizard teams vying for the title. Rodney Ward, Ian Hayes and Warren Kidd faced off against Lionel van Niekerk, Arnold Muscat and Paul White in a game that presented some nail-biting moments.
The opening five ends saw the score tied at three shots apiece, setting the stage for a fierce battle.
However, the momentum shifted in the sixth end when Ward and his team picked up an impressive six shots, a lead they never relinquished.
Maintaining their dominance, they played confidently through the remaining ends to secure a well-earned victory, finishing the game 15-9 after the mandatory 15 ends.
The women’s final saw Umhlanga Bowling Club's Leonie Koedyk, Maria Dreyer and Linda Ellis take on Westville Country Club's Mala Chetty, Gail Jennings and Pru Sponneck.
From the outset, the Umhlanga ladies took control, racking up nine shots in the first three ends.
Although Westville answered with three shots in the fourth, they couldn’t slow the force of the Umhlanga team.
With precision and consistency, Koedyk’s team continued to build on their lead, eventually winning the match 26 shots to 9 after 15 ends.
Both finals showcased the depth of talent and competitive spirit within the district, with Ward’s team and the Umhlanga women claiming well-deserved titles for 2024.
The tournament served as a testament to the skill, resilience and sportsmanship that make lawn bowls such an exciting and strategic sport to follow.
On the international front, an elated South African team has returned home after an outstanding performance in the Africa States tournament.
Among the stand-out contributors was Hillcrest Bowling Club’s Wayne Roberts, who played a pivotal role in South Africa’s overall triumph and their impressive haul of nine gold medals.
Roberts’ remarkable skill on the greens saw him named Male Player of the Tournament, and he successfully retained his men’s singles title and, with his partner Shaun Thomas, he scooped the men’s pairs title.
His dominance in the tournament further solidified South Africa’s status as a powerhouse in African lawn bowls, with Roberts’ consistent performances a key factor in the Protea’s success.
Their nine-medal scoop is a testament to their hard work, dedication and talent, making the nation proud on the international stage.
South Africa’s triumph not only highlights the strength of its individual players, but also the synergy and teamwork that propelled them to glory.
With local and international bowls thriving, there’s no doubt that the future of the sport in South Africa looks brighter than ever.