Champions on show at Hillcrest this weekend

Port Natal’s mixed pairs champions, Umhlanga Bowling Club’s Greg Scott and Leonie Koedyk, made their mark at the BSA Championships in Polokwane, returning home with valuable experience and some impressive scalps along the way.

After a testing opening day without a win but narrowly-contested games, including a tight battle against Boland’s Santjie and MP Olivier, the PNB duo found their rhythm on day two with two victories.

Their standout moment came on day three, when they stunned NIBA’s Protea star Brad Robinson and partner Tara Janse van Rensburg with an 18–13 victory — a result made even more remarkable as the Lynwood BC pair went on to win their section and eventually claim national silver.

Reflecting on the experience, Greg noted the challenge of stepping onto greens of such quality and pace. “You could feel immediately that this was a national tournament — the standard of play was outstanding, and the perfectly prepared greens left no room for error,” he said.

“They were lightning fast compared to the slower surfaces we’re used to on the coast, and it definitely took some time to adjust.”

This weekend the spotlight shifts to host club Hillcrest Bowling Club, where the men’s and women’s singles champions from each PNB affiliated club will battle it out for the prestigious Port Natal Bowls Champion of Champions titles.

The unforgiving knockout format from the first round demands nothing less than precision bowling, with no margin for error.

Defending their 2024 podium places are Hillcrest’s women’s champion and the current PNB champion, Michelle Gerber, Hillary BC’s silver medallist Talia Russon and Westville CC’s men’s runner-up Lindsay North; all eager for another shot at glory. Gerber faces Durban’s Charmaine Wiblin, Russon takes on Chatsworth’s Kamla Moodley and North squares up against Wentworth’s Matthew Lassak in their first rounds.

Also among the competitors our mixed pairs champions, Parkhill’s Greg Scott and Umhlanga’s Leonie Koedyk, will be in action taking on Umhlali’s Dave Riley and Westville BC’s women’s champion, Lindsay Owen.

With every round eliminating contenders, spectators can expect gripping matches and plenty of drama on the road to the finals. Clubs are urged to turn out in support of their champions and share in the electric atmosphere.

And for those itching for even more action, the Amanzimtoti Spring Tournament promises a feast of bowls on 27–28 September. Noted for their pristine greens and top-class organisation, Toti BC is calling for mixed fours (any combination) to contest five games — three on Saturday and two on Sunday, all over 15 ends.

Before the 8.45am start on Saturday a team auction will see bidders compete to own their favourite to win, with big payouts on the line. With R12 000 awaiting the winners, R6 000 for runners-up and R3 000 for third place, competition will be fierce. To enter, email jackie.holdrick@gmail.com or call 083 288 6613 for details and entry forms.

From August’s Champion of Champions at Hillcrest to September’s PNB Pairs Championship and the action-packed Toti Spring Tournament, the greens are heating up — bowlers and spectators can expect nothing less than bowls at its brilliant best.