2026 PNB Women’s Open singles champion, Stella Park’s Glenda Matthews with Berea BC’s President, Warren Green.
Image: Tammy Douglas
The finalists in the PNB Women’s Open and Veteran Singles approached the green at Berea Bowling Club on Sunday, 26 April, with nerves on edge and anticipation running high as spectators gathered for final action after a day of gripping bowls.
The Open Singles final was an all-Stella Park BC showdown between two of the district’s most respected bowlers, Glenda Matthews and Natalie Botha. Both decorated BSA Master Bowlers, the pair know each other’s games personally, often combining as pairs partners. Tactics and temperament would be tested to the limit.
On an adjoining rink, the Veteran Singles final promised a battle of contrasts as Umhlali’s diminutive district fighter, Cheryl Mostert, faced Jenny Robinson of Mount Edgecombe CC in a quest for 2026 glory.
Meanwhile, the bronze medal playoffs were no less competitive. In the Open division, Odette van Zyl of Umhlali CC took on Jo-Anne Laden from Queen’s BC, while in the Veterans section Lesley Levy of Amanzimtoti BC met Lorna Drake from Durban Collegians BC.
As the afternoon unfolded, medals began to find their homes. Glenda Matthews once again proved her championship pedigree, claiming gold and the title of PNB Women’s Open Singles Champion for 2026. Moments later, Jo-Anne Laden secured the Open bronze medal, followed by Lorna Drake, who was rewarded with the Veteran bronze for her day’s efforts.
But the final drama was still to come. Still on the green, Robinson and Mostert were locked in a contest so tense that spectators scarcely dared breathe. End after end, the two ladies traded shots, neither able to seize full control. Precision drawing, nerveless shot bowl replacement and tactical brilliance kept the scoreboard moving inch by inch until, in an extraordinary climax, the pair stood level at 20-all. The veteran’s title would be decided by the final bowl of the tournament.
With composure under immense pressure, Jenny Robinson drew the shot she needed, claiming a single and with it her first PNB Singles gold medal as the 2026 Veteran Champion.
Earlier rounds had already underlined the exceptional standard of bowls on display. Addressing the crowd before prize-giving Warren Green, President of Berea Bowling Club and a Port Natal Bowls executive member, praised all competitors for the quality of play shown throughout the tournament. Two quarter-finals perfectly supported his words.
Lorna Drake appeared home and dry against Delia North of Westville CC, leading 17-5 after 14 ends. A determined North stormed back, winning eight successive ends to edge ahead 19-18 by the twenty-second end. They were tied at 20-all before Drake held nerve to snatch the last-end shot and a semi-final spot.
At the other end of the green, Leonie Koedyk of Umhlanga BC led Natalie Botha 20-14 and seemed destined for victory. But Botha responded magnificently, closing to 20-19 before producing a deadly accurate trail of the jack with game against her, nestling it between her two back bowls to claim the shots she needed and complete one of the tournament’s most remarkable comebacks.
It was bowls at its dramatic best!