Port Natal Bowls bowlers fly the flag in Gqeberha
Image: SUPPLIED
Cheryl Waterman
The Bowls South Africa Men's Nationals are well underway in Gqeberha, and after intense sectional play and opening knockout rounds in the pairs, open singles and veteran singles, the Port Natal Bowls contingent are delivering impressive results and proving their mettle against the best bowlers in the country.
Of the 17 PNB pairs entries, two teams are still in contention for national honours.
Wayne Roberts and John Peacock from Hillcrest Bowling Club have stormed through to the last 16.
Their PNB counterparts, Ruuan Victor and Keegan Bauristhene (entered as Amanzimtoti BC), face a must-win clash against Mike Underwood and Logan Subramony of Comrades BC (Border Bowls).
Should Victor and Bauristhene prevail, they'll be set up for a PNB showdown against Roberts and Peacock on Friday in a battle to progress to the quarter-final.
In the open singles, 14 PNB bowlers endured a gruelling day of sectional matches and early playoff rounds this past Monday.
Westville Bowling Club will be particularly proud of their bowlers, with Paul White – the 2023 national singles champion and 2024 runner-up – alongside Matthew Mayo and Dion Audie, all advancing.
Marc Rogers from Hillary BC also remains in contention, rounding off a strong showing from the district.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Roger Boulle and Arnold Muscat Westville's Roger Boulle and Arnold Muscat (with PNB President Steve Kelf) are still in the hunt for Veteran Singles silverware. Photo: SUPPLIED
Image: SUPPLIED
In the veteran singles, PNB entered 13 hopefuls, with Westville BC bowlers once again shining. Roger Boulle, Lionel van Niekerk, Arnold Muscat and Lance Mansfield will join Hennie Heyns from Mount Edgecombe CC as they push forward in pursuit of national titles.
Their continued success is a testament to the depth of experience and quality within the district's veteran ranks.
The Bowls South Africa Nationals are not only a showcase of talent, but also a test of endurance, focus and resilience.
PNB can be justifiably proud of its bowlers' performances and the strong representation still in the hunt for silverware.
Paul White Westville BC's Paul White looking for a third consecutive National Singles medal. Photo: SUPPLIED
Image: SUPPLIED
Back on local greens, there's no shortage of action this weekend.
Westville Country Club will host the PNB Open and Veteran Ladies Singles playoffs on Saturday, with the semis and finals set for Sunday.
Twenty-five women will vie for the Open Singles title, with play starting at 8.30am on Saturday, followed by the last 16 at 11am, and the final rounds on Sunday.
The remaining 15 Veteran ladies will play for a place in the quarter-final on Saturday morning, and the four semi-finalists will return on Sunday morning.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
24-07-2025
- IOL News
PNB leagues title races tighten
Westville BC's 2024 KZN fours champions are looking for a back-to-back win. Troy Garland, Richard Hendicott, Paul White and Arnie Muscat with sponsor Sandra van Rij from Amberglades. | Supplied Image: Supplied With the business end of the bowls league season fast approaching, the race for top honours in both the men's and women's first divisions is reaching fever pitch. After round 5 in the men's league and round 3 in the women's, the battle lines are firmly drawn — and with just two rounds to go, the stakes couldn't be higher. In the men's first division, Westville Bowling Club continued their dominant run, racking up a solid 25 points last weekend to cement their position at the top of the log. Their total of 62,5 points puts them 6 points ahead of second-placed Parkhill, who walked away with 21,5 points from their two weekend encounters. Still clinging to third place is Umhlali Country Club, who added 18 points to their tally but now trail Parkhill by a growing margin. Westville will host Umhlali and Stella Park on home greens in the final two rounds — an advantage they will no doubt look to exploit. Parkhill, meanwhile, face Hillary away and Hillcrest at home, in their effort to narrow the gap. With everything to play for, the remaining fixtures promise nail-biting finishes. Umhlali CC's 2024 KZN silver medallists are going for gold in 2025. Yolande Victor, Jill Hackland, Cheryl Mostert and Susan Nel with sponsor Sandra van Rij from Amberglades. | Supplied Image: Supplied The women's first division is proving equally intense. Newcomer Mount Edgecombe is the surprise frontrunner, holding a slender 1,5-point lead over Hillary, with Amanzimtoti just 1,5 points further back. With only 3 points separating the top three teams, the final rounds could reshuffle the entire leader board. In the penultimate round, Mount Edgecombe face a determined Umhlali side, while Hillary meet Amanzimtoti in what could be a decisive clash. The final round is set up for fireworks, with Mount Edgecombe and Hillary, currently first and second, squaring off. Will the standings hold, or are we in for a dramatic upset on 2 August? In the men's second division, it's Durban BC who hold the promotion advantage, sitting on 54,5 points — 5,5 points clear of Bluff BC. With three rounds left to play, including a double-header weekend on 2 and 3 August, anything can still happen. Brace yourselves — the final stretch of the league season is shaping up to be unforgettable Meanwhile, congratulations go to Westville BC 'E', who has wrapped up their season on a high by topping the seventh division and securing promotion to the sixth. As league action pauses this weekend, all eyes turn to the KZN Fours, hosted this year by PNB - promising high-calibre play and fierce competition. The men's sectional rounds are set for Hillary, Parkhill and both Westville clubs, while the ladies take to Umhlanga, Parkhill, Hillary and Westville CC. Among the star-studded entries are the reigning men's champions from Westville BC — Paul White, Arnie Muscat, Troy Garland and Richard Hendicott who will play their sectional games at Westville CC as they gun for back-to-back titles. The 2024 silver medallist ladies' team from Umhlali— Susan Nel, Cheryl Mostert, Jill Hackland and Yolande Victor — are also reuniting and playing at Umhlanga with gold in their sights. Sectional playoffs will take place on Sunday, with the finals rounds to be held on Monday 28 July at Westville CC.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- IOL News
Firwood BC hits the sweet spot with festive fun
Christmas in July winners Duncan Buckthorpe, Lorinne Hawkins and Kim Hawkins with club President Alex Ferguson. | SUpplied Image: Supplied IN a sporting world constantly chasing youth and energy, lawn bowls has often been overlooked—labelled as a pastime for retirees. But Firwood Bowling Club in Queensburgh is changing that narrative in all the right ways. Led by the forward-thinking Alta Joubert, the chief steward and events coordinator, Firwood is proving that bowls can be social, competitive and a whole lot of fun. With clubs worldwide struggling to grow and retain membership, Firwood's strategy is refreshingly simple: make time at the club memorable. Their inaugural Christmas in July tournament did just that. The greens were full well ahead of the entry deadline, a sign of the club's growing appeal. Big names from Port Natal Bowls turned up, ready to battle for bragging rights and generous prizes. Second placed Brett Fields, Marc Rogers and Warren v.d. Sloot with Club President Alex Ferguson. | Supplied Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The atmosphere was festive, thanks to the hard work of the committee and support from members and sponsors. Roger and Samm Boulle donated a popular Aero and Grippo hamper, won by a delighted John Connellan. Arnold Muscat kept the crowd buzzing with a slick team auction, while Kyle Venter and Chris Strover live-streamed the action. A cheeky R50 one-bowl challenge added an extra competitive twist, with the winner walking away with the pot. When the toucher marks settled, Duncan Buckthorpe and Kim and Lorinne Hawkins from Queensburgh BC walked away R6000 richer, proving that local talent runs deep. Hillary's Marc Rogers, Brett Burger and Warren van der Sloot grabbed second, while Craig Worst and his Hillcrest lads clinched third place. As Alta Joubert puts it, Firwood is 'A Club with a Vision'—and clearly, that vision includes breaking moulds, building community and showcasing that bowls can be as much about laughter as it is about line and length. A happy John Connellan is presented with the Aero and Grippo hamper by Samm Cooper-Boulle. | Supplied Image: Supplied Judging by the success of this event, that vision is very much on course. Firwood has shown what's possible when passion and community come together. Other clubs would do well to take a page from their playbook. While the Christmas tinsel may be packed away, the league action remains red hot. In the men's first division, Westville BC retained their lead by squeezing out 22,5 of a possible 34 points against Parkhill and Northlands. But Parkhill weren't going to be left behind—after a fruitful weekend clash with Westville and Amanzimtoti, they banked 23,5 points, leapfrogging Umhlali CC and trailing the log leaders by a mere 1,5 points. With another double-header ahead more drama is on offer, Westville hits the road twice to take on Hillary and Hillcrest, while Parkhill will travel to Umhlali and then host Stella Park on Sunday. In a skins race like this, every end counts. In the women's A division, debutants Mount Edgecombe stole the spotlight by beating early leaders Stella Park 10–2, jumping to the top of the log. Hillary's win over Umhlali lifted them to second, while Stella Park dropped to fourth. This week sees the ladies travel to Umhlali CC where Mount Edgecombe face Hillcrest and Hillary take on Stella Park in what could be a pivotal round.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- IOL News
PNB Masters rise to the occasion
Westville BC's Roger Boulle (Vet) and Hillary's Marc Rogers (Open) – newly crowned PNB Master's champions. | Paul White Image: (credit Paul White) As every seasoned bowler knows, true mastery on the green is far more than simply delivering a bowl accurately. It's a delicate dance of technical precision, strategic insight, adaptability and unwavering consistency. This past weekend, the PNB Masters showcased these qualities in full force. At the close of play on Saturday, the log standings were a tease for what Sunday had in store. The margins were razor-thin and anticipation ran high. In the Men's Open, Section 1 leader Jarred Bauristhene had edged two points ahead of Wayne Roberts, with the draw having them facing each in the final sectional game. Section 2 mirrored the drama: Marc Rodgers led Ruaan Victor by one point, and the two were drawn against each other in a winner-takes-all clash. Umhlali CC's Jill Hackland (Vet) and Linda Tolmay (Open) – 2025 PNB Master's champions. | Monique Lott Image: (credit Monique Lott) Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Men's Veterans offered their own nail-biters. Section 1 front-runner John Connellan and Louis Tolmay were separated by a single point, while in Section 2, Roger Boulle led Rodney Ward only on aggregate. Sunday morning was set to test composure and class. In the Women's Open, Section 1 saw a pivotal showdown between Glenda Matthews and Susan Nel—so close that a single shot on aggregate separated them. Section 2 was even tighter, with Michelle Gerber and Linda Tolmay level on points and only aggregate giving Gerber a slight edge. But Nel and Tolmay turned the tables in their final games and booked their spots in the title clash. Umhlali CC's ecstatic Linda Tolmay holds her first PNB Open Master's trophy aloft. | Monique Lott Image: (credit Monique Lott) The women's veterans continued the trend. Gail Jennings led Judy Green by a point in Section 1. In Section 2, it was equal points for Minette Hatton-Jones and Lorna Drake, with Hatton-Jones just edging it on aggregate. The drama was undeniable. And then came Sunday. In the Men's Open, Bauristhene and Rodgers both rose to the occasion, defeating Roberts and Victor respectively, to earn their final berths. In the final, Rodgers wasted no time asserting control and stormed to 21 shots in just 14 ends—claiming his first PNB Masters title. In the Veterans, Boulle was equally emphatic, joining Rodgers in the winners' circle with his own clinical 21-shot finish over 14 ends. Westville's Roger Boulle celebrates his first PNB Master's win. | Judy Bowland Image: (credit Judy Bowland)
