Queens BC’s Taylor Laden receives the PNB Novice Women’s trophy from PNB President, Ken Fann. | Supplied
Image: Tammy Douglas
The greens at Durban Bowling Club were alive with tension and excitement last weekend as the district’s top novices competed in the PNB Novice Championships.
Saturday’s play saw the last 16 competitors take to the immaculate greens, treating spectators to bowls of exceptional tactical quality. End after end produced tightly contested encounters, with several games going right down to the wire. Four times the scoreboard showed a dramatic 20–all before the final bowl determined who would advance to the coveted semi-final spots.
By Sunday morning, the tension had intensified as the semi-finalists stepped onto the greens with throngs of colourful supporters lining the banks. In the women’s section, Taylor Laden of Queens faced Tammy Butterfield from Umhlanga, while Hillcrest’s Sue Longmoor met Anthea Reynolds of Collegians. The men’s semi-finals paired Berea’s Elijah Mommen against Westville BC’s Lance Mansfield, while Simmy Nyawaza of Mt Edgecombe took on Charles Leydekkers from Wentworth.
Four fiercely competitive games followed as the finalists emerged after displays of patience, strategy and remarkable composure. Reaching the final after six consecutive victories was no small achievement, and Laden, Longmoor, Mommen and Nyawaza had all demonstrated consistency and determination throughout the tournament.
The women’s final proved to be a memorable contest. Laden, displaying the poise and precision of a far more experienced bowler, delivered a masterclass in controlled drawing and tactical placement. Longmoor fought valiantly, trying not to concede shots, but the young Queens bowler maintained her composure to secure victory. In doing so, 17-year-old Laden became the youngest bowler to claim the PNB Novice title, a remarkable achievement that signals her bright future in the sport.
If the women’s final showcased youthful brilliance, the men’s decider delivered a gripping endurance battle. The clash between club greenkeepers Mommen and Nyawaza developed into a marathon 27-end affair, with momentum shifting repeatedly between the two competitors. The lead changed hands several times and the margin between them never exceeded three shots, keeping spectators on edge throughout. In the end, it was the calm determination and consistency of Mommen that proved decisive as he secured the 2026 Novice Championship title.
Addressing bowlers and spectators at the prize-giving ceremony, PNB President Ken Fann praised the high standard of play and reminded clubs of the importance of developing novice bowlers. He encouraged clubs throughout the district to actively identify, support and nurture new bowlers to ensure the continued growth of the game.
Every accomplished bowler, administrator and champion began as a novice. By welcoming newcomers and helping them develop their skills, clubs ensure that the traditions and camaraderie of bowls continue to thrive. Novices bring fresh enthusiasm and energy to the greens, strengthening club culture and keeping competitions vibrant.
Meanwhile, the district also welcomed home the teams from the Inter-District Championships played in Gauteng and the Western Cape. The Men’s and Women’s Open sides, both Veterans teams and the Men’s B side all finished third in their sections, while the Women’s B side, after winning their section, faced Johannesburg in the final and returned home with well-earned silver medals following a gruelling 21-end contest.