Port Natal Bowls bowlers fly the flag in Gqeberha
BOWLS
Marc Rogers Hillary’s Marc Rogers in his quest for an Open Singles medal. Photo: SUPPLIED
Image: SUPPLIED
Cheryl Waterman
The Bowls South Africa Men’s Nationals are well underway in Gqeberha, and after intense sectional play and opening knockout rounds in the pairs, open singles and veteran singles, the Port Natal Bowls contingent are delivering impressive results and proving their mettle against the best bowlers in the country.
Of the 17 PNB pairs entries, two teams are still in contention for national honours.
Wayne Roberts and John Peacock from Hillcrest Bowling Club have stormed through to the last 16.
Their PNB counterparts, Ruuan Victor and Keegan Bauristhene (entered as Amanzimtoti BC), face a must-win clash against Mike Underwood and Logan Subramony of Comrades BC (Border Bowls).
Should Victor and Bauristhene prevail, they’ll be set up for a PNB showdown against Roberts and Peacock on Friday in a battle to progress to the quarter-final.
In the open singles, 14 PNB bowlers endured a gruelling day of sectional matches and early playoff rounds this past Monday.
Westville Bowling Club will be particularly proud of their bowlers, with Paul White – the 2023 national singles champion and 2024 runner-up – alongside Matthew Mayo and Dion Audie, all advancing.
Marc Rogers from Hillary BC also remains in contention, rounding off a strong showing from the district.
Roger Boulle and Arnold Muscat Westville’s Roger Boulle and Arnold Muscat (with PNB President Steve Kelf) are still in the hunt for Veteran Singles silverware. Photo: SUPPLIED
Image: SUPPLIED
In the veteran singles, PNB entered 13 hopefuls, with Westville BC bowlers once again shining. Roger Boulle, Lionel van Niekerk, Arnold Muscat and Lance Mansfield will join Hennie Heyns from Mount Edgecombe CC as they push forward in pursuit of national titles.
Their continued success is a testament to the depth of experience and quality within the district’s veteran ranks.
The Bowls South Africa Nationals are not only a showcase of talent, but also a test of endurance, focus and resilience.
PNB can be justifiably proud of its bowlers’ performances and the strong representation still in the hunt for silverware.
Paul White Westville BC’s Paul White looking for a third consecutive National Singles medal. Photo: SUPPLIED
Image: SUPPLIED
Back on local greens, there’s no shortage of action this weekend.
Westville Country Club will host the PNB Open and Veteran Ladies Singles playoffs on Saturday, with the semis and finals set for Sunday.
Twenty-five women will vie for the Open Singles title, with play starting at 8.30am on Saturday, followed by the last 16 at 11am, and the final rounds on Sunday.
The remaining 15 Veteran ladies will play for a place in the quarter-final on Saturday morning, and the four semi-finalists will return on Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, Amanzimtoti BC will be buzzing as it hosts the 2025 PNB Junior Masters.
Sixteen of the region’s top juniors, arranged in four sections, will contest three sectional games on Saturday.
The four section winners will meet in Sunday’s semi-finals and final.
All eyes will be on defending champion, Stella Park’s Awongiwe Somtseu, who hopes to retain his crown.
Port Natal Bowls is alive and thriving at every level – veteran, open and junior – as our bowlers continue to strive to lead from the front.