Gripping final secures BSA Masters gold for Boulle

If ever a performance captured the essence of grit, resilience and belief, it was that of Firwood’s Roger Boulle in the final of the BSA Men’s Veteran Masters Championship. In his first Masters appearance, Boulle completed an unbeaten run in the sectional stages before clinching the gold medal in a nerve-shredding finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats

Standing between Boulle and the title was the 2025 champion, Durbanville BC’s Kevin Smith, who delivered a masterclass in control and consistency for most of the game. Smith dictated the early tempo, maintaining a steady advantage and forcing Boulle to play catch-up for the majority of the confrontration. It was the sort of pressure that has undone many experienced campaigners, but Boulle was having none of it.

Outwardly calm but fiercely determined, Boulle showed remarkable composure as the game edged towards its conclusion. End by end, he clawed his way back, refusing to rush or panic, trusting his process and his delivery.

Trailing 19 – 20 late in the game, upholding Firwood’s ‘Club with a Vision’  motto, Roger produced two bowls of exceptional precision to turn the contest on its head and snatch a dramatic 21 – 20 victory — a finish worthy of a championship final.

While the spotlight quite rightly shines on Boulle’s unforgettable comeback, full credit must be given to Kevin Smith, whose performance throughout the final was of the highest standard. On another day, his measured and disciplined bowling would have been enough to retain the title. This time, however, it was Boulle’s resolve that proved decisive.

Port Natal Bowls enjoyed further success at the tournament, with three of its ten Masters representatives returning home with medals. At the end of play on Saturday, Roger Boulle, Arnie Muscat (Firwood) and Glenda Mathews (Stella Park) topped their respective sections, with one remaining sectional match scheduled for Sunday. Muscat faced South African bowls legend and decorated Protea player Billy Radloff. Despite a spirited and hard-fought effort, Muscat went down to Radloff and was awarded a bronze medal — an outstanding achievement in his first Masters appearance.

Mathews, a three-time SA Veteran Masters gold medalist, narrowly lost her final sectional encounter 21–19 to Lydia Maritz of Durbanville BC. Finishing second in her section, she added a bronze medal to her impressive national collection.

Another commendable performance came from PNB’s under-30 representative, Hillary’s Keegan Bauristhene. Entering his final game second on the log, Bauristhene defeated sectional leader Micus Grech of Witbank 21–20. This result left three players tied on points, but a slightly inferior shot difference saw Bauristhene finish third overall, agonisingly just outside the medals.

The excitement continues this weekend with sectional play beginning for the PNB Men’s Open and Veteran Singles on Saturday, followed by the PNB Mixed Pairs on Sunday when dual membership again promises intriguing partnerships across clubs. The mixed pairs champions will go on to represent PNB at the BSA Mixed Pairs Championship in Mpumalanga, where they will face winners from 19 other BSA affiliated districts.