Drama unfolds in thrilling PNB Singles Championships
BOWLS
Wayne Roberts Port Natal Bowls executive Nkululeko Duma presents Hillcrest’s Wayne Roberts with the PNB Men’s Open Singles trophy. Photo: Jorge Martinho
Image: Jorge Martinho
Cheryl Waterman
The greens at sponsoring clubs were ablaze with talent and tension this past weekend as the 2025 PNB Men’s Open, Veterans and Under-25 Singles Championships drew to a dramatic close on Sunday.
At Hillcrest Bowling Club, spectators were treated to gripping playoffs and semi-finals in the Men’s Open Singles.
In a battle of giants the 2024 champion, Chris Strover from Stella Park, faced off against Hillcrest’s Wayne Roberts, while Westville BC club mates Paul White and Dion Audie contested a derby showdown.
Roberts and White emerged victorious, setting up a repeat of the 2024 BSA Nationals Men’s Open Men’s Singles final.
Paul White Nkululeko Duma with Westville BC’s Paul White, the PNB Open Singles runner-up. Photo: Jorge Martinho
Image: Jorge Martinho
Roberts once again showed why he’s ranked fourth on the World Bowls rankings.
With precision, consistency and unflinching focus, he dictated the pace of the final and powered to a commanding 21-11 win over White.
Roberts’ championship form cements his status as one of the top contenders in South African bowls.
Meanwhile, the playoff for bronze provided a fierce contest.
Strover and Audie were locked at 10-10 after 12 ends, but Audie found momentum, racing to a 19-12 lead by the 21st end.
Despite a late rally from Strover, Audie held on and closed out the game 21-18, claiming third place.
Over at Parkhill Bowling Club, the Veterans Singles playoffs delivered a historic moment for Durban Bowling Club’s Rajen Reddy.
Still officially a novice until mid-June, Reddy stunned the crowd by storming into the final with a 21-10 win over Jeff Harris of Northlands BC.
Rajen Reddy Durban BC’s Rajen Reddy accepts the PNB Men’s Veteran Singles trophy from Ken Fann, PNB Executive Vice-President. Photo: Peter Garrett
Image: Peter Garrett
His final opponent, Arnold Muscat of Westville BC, had narrowly edged out John Connellan of Stella Park 21-18 in a tense semi-final.
The final began in Muscat’s favour as he built a steady lead, looking poised to secure the title at 17-13 after 25 ends.
But Reddy, unfazed and focused, mounted a brilliant comeback.
Scoring five unanswered shots over the next three ends, he took the lead for the first time since the opening end.
Arnold Muscat Westville BC’s Arnold Muscat (left), PNB Veteran’s Singles runner-up, with Ken Fann, PNB Executive Vice-President. Photo: Peter Garrett
Image: Peter Garrett
With nerves of steel, he closed out the match with a further three shots to seal a memorable 21-17 victory – and a place in the PNB history books.
Jeff Harris secured bronze with a 21-17 win over Connellan.
At Amanzimtoti BC, the spotlight turned to the next generation during the Under 25 Mixed Singles Championship.
Umhlali CC’s Troy McDowell took his semi-final against Taylor Laden of Queens BC with a score of 21-10.
Troy McDowell and Keanu Karanja Umhlali CC’s Troy McDowell (left) claimed the PNB Under-25 title from Queens BC’s Keanu Karanja. Photo: Alec Nel
Image: Alec Nel
Queens turned the tables on Umhlali when Keanu Karanja won his semi against Wimpie Nel 21-11.
The final between McDowell and Karanja proved to be a masterclass in youthful determination and tactical finesse.
PNB Under-25 medal winners PNB Under-25 medal winners, from left: Wimpie Nel (Umhlali BC) bronze, Keanu Karanja (Queens) silver, Troy McDowell (Umhlali CC) gold and Taylor Layden (Queens) bronze. Photo: Alec Nel
Image: Alec Nel
After an early lead, McDowell saw his advantage neutralised as Karanja drew level at 12-12 on the 18th end.
Thereafter the game see-sawed, but McDowell pulled ahead.
At 19-15 down, Karanja drew a perfect four to level at 19-19.
In the end, it was McDowell’s trademark accuracy under pressure that prevailed as he scored the final two shots in two ends to claim the Under-25 crown.