24-07-2025
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.
