Smith Guerra Ladies trips wrap up another successful season at Parkhill

Parkhill BC’s monthly Friday morning Ladies Trips has firmly established itself as one of the most enjoyable and well-supported competitions on the district calendar. Known as the Smith Guerra Ladies Trips, the 2025 competition regularly attracted an impressive 22 teams, including many of Port Natal Bowls’ top district players.

Sponsored by Cameron Smith, an enthusiastic Parkhill social member, the competition is held on the last Friday of every month and offers the perfect balance of friendly rivalry and serious bowls. Its popularity lies not only in the strong fields it attracts, but also in a format designed to keep every game competitive.

Teams play three sets of seven ends, with two points awarded per set and four points for the overall result, ensuring that focus and teamwork are rewarded throughout the morning.

In addition to prizes for first and second place on the day, teams accumulate points across the year, adding an extra layer of excitement and encouraging consistent participation. The competition is efficiently run by Brenda van der Berg, whose organisation and attention to detail have been key to its ongoing success.

The final tournament of the year concluded with a prize-giving for the overall points winners, providing a fitting end to another outstanding season. Taking top honours were Glenda Matthews, Minnette Hatton-Jones and Margaret Migdoll, followed by Leonie Koedyk, Debbie Nortje and Michelle Nortje in second place. Third place went to Debbie de Kock, Heather Wright and Jenny Robinson, rounding off a highly competitive leaderboard.

Beyond the results, the Smith Guerra Ladies Trips has become known for its welcoming atmosphere, camaraderie and high-quality bowling. It offers players the opportunity to test themselves against strong opposition while enjoying a relaxed and social environment.

The competition resumes on 30 January 2026, and new entries are warmly welcomed. Anyone interested in joining this popular monthly event can contact Brenda van der Berg on 083 995 5578.

The trials for the PNB Under-18 and Under-15 teams, to represent the district at the SA Junior Nationals in the Southern Free State from 29 March to 1 April 2026, were held at Westville CC last Saturday. Selectors praised the improved standards from the junior bowlers and will announce the teams and managers in the first week of January 2025.

As this is the final No Bias column for 2025, PNB President Steve Kelf shares a message of appreciation and hope with all district bowlers:

“As we close out another successful year of bowls, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my Executive Committee, the ladies in the PNB office and every one of our registered members. Your commitment and passion for the sport continue to make our district a warm, vibrant and united community.

"Looking ahead to a busy year – and to hosting the Bowls SA Ladies Open Championships in May 2026 – I wish you all good health, happiness and a rewarding season on the greens. May we continue to support and uplift one another in the year to come.”