Mkize and Blount rise to the top at Durban Bowling Club
Cheryl Waterman
Once again Durban Bowling Club played host to the Novice Singles Championship and the semi-finals and finals on Saturday January 25 did not disappoint.
The tournament showcased an impressive display of skill and potential from the next generation of bowlers in the PNB district.
Parkhill’s Siya Mkize and Umhlanga's Michelle Blount emerged as the crème de la crème of the talented group of 2025 novice entrants, claiming the top spots in the championship.
The end of Mkize’s journey to the podium saw him face off against Umhlali’s 17-year-old Troy McDowell in the semi-finals, before taking on Stella Park’s Brian Daventry-Bull in the final.
Mkize picked up a full house in the second end of the final, setting the tone for the rest of the game; ultimately securing a 21-14 victory.
Mkize was full of praise for his opponents, acknowledging the impressive skills displayed by McDowell and Daventry-Bull.
“Troy has a great future in bowls - he played a game worthy of a much more experienced bowler, demonstrating control and an amazing temperament.
“Having won my semi, I was less nervous going into the game against Brian, but he did not give up. I could not relax – Brian kept playing strategic shots to keep me on my toes,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to his club mates and spectators from other clubs for their support in both games, giving special mention to Stella Park’s Chris Strover for his mentorship throughout Mkize’s short bowling career.
Meanwhile, Michelle Blount dominated the women’s competition, stamping her authority on the Durban BC greens with two 21-10 victories on Saturday.
In her semi-final match against Berea BC’s Brenda Olivier, the ladies were level on nine shots in the 10th end before Blount launched an attack, conceding only one shot in the following eight ends.
Her final against Durban BC’s Priscilla Anthony had Anthony 5-4 up in the fifth end, when Michelle turned the tables with a four shot gain in the sixth end.
She continued to extend her lead until the 16th, when she reached the required 21 shots.
Blount acknowledged the valuable coaching she received at the start of her career from Bob Zacek, and the continuous support and advice she has enjoyed from the members at Umhlanga BC.
Michelle encourages anyone considering the game to join a club and enjoy the challenge and camaraderie lawn bowls offers.
As the novice singles championship comes to a close, one thing is clear - the PNB district is teeming with talented new bowlers ready to make their mark on the greens.
With novices like Mkize and Blount leading the way, the future of bowls in the district looks promising.
This weekend Mtunzini BC and Empangeni BC will host the Quadrangular Tournament involving district teams from Kwazulu-Natal Country Bowls, Kingfisher, Natal Inland Bowling Association and Port Natal Bowls.
This is an opportunity for our district teams to prepare for the BSA Inter District Tournaments from March 10-14.