Colleen Piketh (George BC) and Wayne Roberts (Hillcrest BC) - winners of the PBA pairs championship this weekend. Photo: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Last weekend may have seen a quiet pause on local greens, but the action was anything but still. Port Natal Bowls enthusiasts turned to YouTube to follow a world-class spectacle as four of our own competed in the prestigious Professional Bowls Association (PBA) pairs and singles championships, sponsored by Fairtree.
Hosted at the iconic Durbanville Bowling Club, the tournament drew a field of 64 elite players from across the country and beyond. Among the field was Aron Sherriff, the quintessential Australian treble world champion, adding international flair and intensity to an already formidable competition. With a total prize pool of R430 000, the largest in the modern era of South African bowls, the stakes were as high as the standard of play.
Port Natal were proudly represented by Wayne Roberts, Roger Boulle, Greg Scott, and Paul White, all competing with their Aero bowls and flying the district flag with distinction. The standout performance came from Hillcrest BC’s Roberts, who teamed up with fellow Protea star Colleen Piketh from George Bowling Club. The pair delivered a masterclass in consistency and composure, battling their way through a highly competitive field to reach the final.
There, they faced a formidable combination in Gerry Baker of Morningside Bowling Club and current BSA Women’s Masters Champion Elma (Mo) Louw from Goodwood Bowling Club. In a gripping contest, Roberts and Piketh held their nerve to secure victory in two tightly contested sets, 7-6 and 7-3, claiming the title and a well-deserved R40 000 prize.
Roberts’ success did not end there. He added a further R3 000 to his weekend earnings as part of the winning team in the Fairtree Cup — a demanding one-day format requiring team members to compete across trips, pairs, and singles disciplines. Notably, the victorious six-man team included former Port Natal bowler Wayne Rittmuller, who now represents Ridge Park Bowling Club.
Rittmuller enjoyed a stellar tournament, going on to claim the 2026 PBA Singles title. His victory not only earned him R70 000 in prize money but also secured entry, travel, and accommodation to compete in the prestigious World Bowls Indoor Championship at Potters in the UK in 2027. This international package is valued at approximately R115 850, placing him firmly on the world stage.
Looking ahead, Port Natal bowlers will have their chance to join this elite arena, with qualification events for the 2027 PBA tournament already on the calendar. The first takes place on 15 and 16 June at Amanzimtoti BC, followed by the KZN qualifier on 28 and 29 November at Firwood BC. Interested bowlers can contact Roger Boulle for further details.
As the spotlight shifts from high money stakes back to development, we extend our very best wishes to the PNB Under 25, Under 18, and Under-15 sides as they depart for their Inter-District tournaments in Bloemfontein. Carry the pride of your district, play with passion, and embrace the experience — your journey is just beginning.