Rising stars shine at Qualifying Masters

Cheryl Waterman

Spectators who gathered over the weekend for the Qualifying Masters tournaments were treated to thrilling displays of top-tier bowls, as Port Natal's rising stars stepped into the spotlight.

The event, known for unearthing future Masters champions, did not disappoint — with games marked by intense competition, tactical brilliance and no shortage of dramatic comebacks.

From nail-biting finishes to unexpected turnarounds, the greens were alive with the kind of energy that only high-stakes play can produce.

As the crowd leaned in and selectors took notes, one thing was clear: the next generation of Port Natal talent is not just knocking on the door — they’re kicking it wide open.

Stella Tweedie and Ray Ducray, conveners of the ladies’ and men’s selection committees respectively, highlighted the significance of the Qualifying Masters as a proving ground for bowlers eager to make their mark.

Designed as a platform for bowlers to showcase their abilities in the singles format, selection to the event draws on both current form and district achievements to identify emerging talent.

“The Qualifying Masters gives bowlers a real chance to play their way into the higher echelon — the PNB Masters,” Tweedie explained.

In recent years, the number of invitees has been increased to give more fringe players the opportunity to shine.

“It’s not just about skill,” Ducray added, “but also about showing determination and resilience under pressure. Unlike the knockout rounds of the PNB Singles event, the round-robin format offers selectors a broader view of each player’s consistency — a key quality when considering selection to PNB district sides.

"With more games and more scrutiny, this format ensures that talent isn't just seen in flashes, but in sustained performance over multiple games.” The message is clear to all Qualifying Masters competitors - this is your stage — and your shot.

The following bowlers are congratulated and can now look forward to competing in the PNB Masters Championships at the end of June.

Open men - Dion Audie (Westville BC), Chad Wilson (Bluff), Ruaan Victor (Umhlali CC), Greg Scott (Parkhill), Troy Garland (Westville BC), Russell Funnell (Westville BC), Matthew Mayo (Westville BC) and Marc Rogers (Hillary). 

Open women - Leanne Marsh (Hillary), Linda Tolmay (Umhlali CC), Kim Christensen (Stella Park) and Hilary Lindsay (Amanzimtoti)

Veteran men - John Barry (Parkhill), Neil Tovey (Parkhill), Brian Masters (Amanzimtoti), Barney Walker (Parkhill), Greg McLeod (Amanzimtoti), John Peacock (Hillcrest), Laine King (Durban) and Lionel Van Niekerk (Westville BC).

Veteran women - Rowena Wepener (Hillcrest), Judy Green (Durban Collegians), Heather Perling (Mount Edgecombe CC), Lorna Drake (Durban Collegians) and Alta Joubert (Firwood). 

With the qualifiers now confirmed, attention turns to the PNB Masters, where these standout performers will face off against the district’s elite.

Their journey through the Qualifying Masters has already demonstrated grit, skill and a hunger to compete at the highest level.

For the selectors, the event provided a valuable window into emerging talent; for the players, it was a proving ground. If the quality of play is anything to go by, the PNB Masters promises to be a fiercely contested showcase of excellence.