Interclub league fever begins
In the men's leagues, eight divisions will see clubs squaring off at different venues every week. First and second division clubs will be aiming to scoop a maximum of 17 points per round, while clubs in divisions three to eight can score up to 12 points.
Kicking off this Saturday, clubs across the district will be hitting the road weekly in pursuit of glory: whether it's to earn promotion, avoid relegation or simply make their mark on what promises to be a gripping season.
The 2025 Inter Club Leagues have arrived — and with them, the excitement and spirited competition that make the district leagues one of the most closely followed events on the PNB calendar.
Among the favourites this season is Westville Bowling Club, 2024 men's champions. After finishing a commanding 18.5 points clear of their nearest rival last year, they might have been forgiven for stepping into 2025 with an air of confidence.
But speaking to club President, Matthew Mayo, it's clear that complacency is not on the agenda.
'The league is never a cut and dried situation,' Mayo says. 'Westville BC will approach each game respecting the ability of our opposition. Every club in first division has strength and could pull off a win.'
This season, Westville has introduced new strategies aimed at maintaining consistency and building unity within their ranks. A notable change: only players who committed to all seven league matches were considered for the club's first side — a move designed to ensure reliability across their campaign.
With a surge of new members in recent months, Mayo explains that depth is not an issue, but commitment and perseverance to play and practice were key selection factors. The selection panel was expanded to five members, offering a broader perspective on team composition.
In a bold move, skips were selected first, and then, in consultation with selectors, allowed to build their sides. 'It took some time, especially when two skips wanted the same bowler,' Mayo admits, 'but consensus was reached and we are happy that the best of Westville BC will represent us.'
Their opening clash this weekend is against Amanzimtoti, newly promoted to the top division. Toti's representative, Greg McLeod, remains upbeat about their chances. 'We know it's going to be tough,' he says, 'but we're sticking to the formula that worked last year — we focused on compatibility between bowlers. That chemistry carried all our sides last season.'
In the women's leagues, Amanzimtoti's ladies, fresh off their 2024 first division triumph, will take on Mount Edgecombe, new to the division. Skip Susan Nel remains focused but unfazed. 'No dramatic changes this year,' Nel says. 'We'll defend our position with the same spirit and unity that worked for us in 2024.'
Mount Edgecombe's Heather Wright brings a touch of honesty to the encounter: 'It's natural we're nervous in this new arena,' she says. 'But we'll meet every game with determination and do what we do best – play bowls.'
With bold strategies, respectful rivalries and a clear love for the game, the 2025 Interclub Leagues are off to a spirited start. Let the bowls roll!
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