Port Natal juniors set sights on national glory with the South African Junior Bowls Championships

From March 29 to April 1, anticipation will finally give way to excitement as the selected Port Natal Junior sides represent the district at the South African Junior Bowls Championships in Bloemfontein. For the talented young bowlers their selection marks the reward for months of disciplined training, commitment and quiet determination.

Leading the Under 25 campaign will be Jarred Bauristhene (Westville BC), who assumes the dual role of player/manager. He will be joined by Keegan Bauristhene (Hillary BC), Troy McDowell (Umhlali CC) and Tye Smit (Firwood BC) — a well-balanced side blending experience, flair and competitive steel.

The Under 18 and Under 15 teams will be guided by their manager, Linda Tolmay of Umhlali CC, whose calm leadership and dedication to junior development are widely respected. The Under 18 squad features Slayde Human, Keanu Karanja and Taylor Laden (all Queens BC), alongside Wimpie Nel (Umhlali CC).

The Under 15 side sees Kayden Williams (Queens BC), Miah Ertekes and Megan Botes (both Stella Park BC), and Chaz-Lynn Reid (Collegians BC) all proudly don Port Natal colours for the first time to test their mettle at national level.

These juniors are to be commended not only for their selection, but for the stringent practice regimes they have embraced. Their commitment highlights why lawn bowls continues to be one of the most rewarding sports for young people.

Often underestimated, lawn bowls offers a low-impact form of exercise that develops physical fitness without the strain associated with many contact sports. Juniors build strength, flexibility and endurance through walking the green, bending, stretching and delivering the bowl.

At the same time, the precision required to draw close to the jack enhances hand-eye coordination, timing and spatial awareness.

Beyond the physical benefits, the game’s strategic nature sharpens the mind. Young players learn to read the green, anticipate outcomes and adapt tactics — skills that nurture problem-solving, concentration and critical thinking.

Equally important are the life lessons bowls imparts: patience, resilience, emotional control and sportsmanship. Successes build confidence, while setbacks teach valuable coping skills.

Lawn bowls is also deeply social and inclusive. Juniors interact across generations, forming friendships and a sense of belonging within a welcoming community. Team formats encourage communication, cooperation and mutual support, reinforcing the values of fair play and respect.

Over the past weekend, local greens were buzzing with activity with PNB men’s open and veteran singles, along with the mixed pairs competitors, contesting sectional play.

The open men’s section winners will compete for quarter-final places at Durban Bowling Club and the veterans will vie for quarter-final spots at Berea BC and Hillary BC on Saturday, February 21. Meanwhile, the mixed pairs section winners will head to Amanzimtoti on Sunday 22 February, where the playoffs will decide the eight quarter-finalists. 

With junior promise and senior competition flourishing, Port Natal Bowls continues to thrive, and expectations are building as players, supporters and officials look ahead the Inter-Districts competitions that will spread our district sides across the country.