Hillcrest’s debutant Michelle Gerber, and seasoned competitor Wayne Roberts, are playing for Master’s medals. Photo: Supplied
Cheryl Waterman
Port Natal Bowls district teams returned triumphant from the Quadrangular tournament hosted by KZN Country Bowls (KZNCB), securing the overall titles for 2025 with commanding performances across all divisions.
The men’s teams delivered impressive results, with the A-side finishing 8.5 points ahead of Natal Inland Bowls Association (NIBA) to claim the top spot, while the B-side placed third.
The Veterans side narrowly missed out on victory, finishing just three points behind KZNCB, but the President’s side dominated their division with a remarkable 12-point lead to finish at the top of the log. The accumulated points gave PNB the overall win.
The PNB women were equally formidable, with the A-side edging past Kingfisher Bowling Association (KBA) by just half a point in a tense battle.
The B-side and Veteran ladies both finished 7.5 points clear of their nearest rivals, KBA, while the President’s side secured second place, trailing KZNCB by 9.5 points.
The combined results saw the PNB women claim a resounding 26-point overall win, further solidifying their dominance in the competition.
This outstanding performance across the board highlights PNB’s depth of talent and competitive edge, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in provincial bowls.
Hot on the heels of their Quadrangular success, PNB’s top bowlers now turn their attention to the prestigious Bowls South Africa (BSA) Master’s Championships, set to take place this weekend at Wingate Park Country Club in Pretoria.
Representing PNB in the veteran divisions is Stella Park stalwart John Connellan, who makes his fifth veteran appearance after previously competing in three Open Masters.
He will be joined by seasoned lady campaigner Glenda Matthews (Stella Park) who brings decades of Masters experience.
Matthews, the champion in 2019 and 2022, enters the tournament as the defending women’s veteran champion, having secured the title in 2024.
Unfortunately, due to a family illness, Amanzimtoti’s Susan Nel has withdrawn.
In the men’s Open division, Hillcrest’s Wayne Roberts, the current South African Singles Champion and ranked fourth in the world, will be aiming to better his 2024 silver medal.
Last year he faced five-time Masters Champion Jason Evans in a gripping final.
Roberts will be joined by Westville BC’s Paul White, an experienced Masters competitor who faced Roberts in the PNB derby singles final at the 2024 BSA Men’s Nationals.
Making his Masters debut, Stella Park’s Chris Strover is eager to prove himself on the national stage and has been drawn in the same section as Roberts, setting up an exciting second-round clash on Friday, February 7.
The women’s Open division will see Stella Park’s Natalie Botha, enjoying her second Masters appearance, alongside Hillcrest’s Michelle Gerber, who is making her Masters debut.
PNB’s rising stars will also be in action, with Westville BC’s Keegan Bauristhene and Umhlali’s Yolande Victor making their first appearances in the respective Under-30 divisions.
Four debutants stepping onto the BSA Masters stage proves that the PNB district continues to produce top-tier talent ready to compete at the highest level.
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