6 days ago
Potential fireworks in the final PNB league round
With the final rounds of the PNB Interclub Leagues set for Saturday August 16, the stage is set for dramatic finishes to one of the tightest seasons in recent memory. Scoreboards are close, nerves are tight and the final push promises thrilling bowls across all divisions.
In the Men's First Division, Westville Bowling Club is hanging on to the lead after picking up 11.5 points against Umhlali CC, but Parkhill BC is hot on their heels after a commanding 13-point win over Hillary BC.
With just 3.5 points separating the top two, both sides are bracing for a tense final round. Westville hosts Stella Park at home while Parkhill, also on home greens, take on Hillcrest.
With both Westville BC and Parkhill in top form, the league title will come down to every end played. The burning question: Will Westville secure back-to-back league victories or will Parkhill bowl their way into the PNB winner's circle?
The Men's Second Division leaderboard was shaken up when Westville Country Club surged to the top, collecting 23 points from two encounters.
Bluff, who had a bye on Saturday, dropped from second to fifth, showing just how tight this race has become. With the second division being the only one with two rounds remaining (16 and 17 August), and only 2.5 points between the top three teams - Durban and Umhlanga currently in second and third spots - it's all to play for.
Westville CC face Durban Wanderers and Mt. Edgecombe, both games at home, while Umhlanga travel to Amanzimtoti and then host Bluff. Durban, meanwhile, have only one game in which to influence the standings, making their quest much tougher.
The Ladies First Division is equally gripping. Mt. Edgecombe, the season's standout newcomers, stumbled by scoring just four points against Umhlali, allowing Amanzimtoti to leap into the lead after collecting 9.5 points against Hillary.
Now ahead by 2.5 points, Amanzimtoti face Stella Park when the ladies travel to Hillcrest on August 16, while second and third placed Mt. Edgecombe and Hillary will battle it out in what could be a title-deciding clash.
In the Ladies Second Division, it's a three-way fight for promotion between Westville CC, Durban Collegians and Umhlanga. Westville and Collegians are tied in the top positions on 33.5 points, with Westville ahead on aggregate, while Umhlanga lurks just two points behind.
With the second division clubs travelling to Umhlanga; Umhlanga and Collegians go head-to-head in what promises to be a showstopper, while Westville faces Amanzimtoti. Every point could tip the balance.
In other news, the KZN Singles, set for August 23, has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict with the BSA Mixed Pairs Championship in Limpopo, where district champions Greg Scott and Leonie Koedyk will compete for national honours.
Lastly, an error in last week's column has been corrected — the photo of the KZN Fours Women's Championship runners-up was mistakenly published with the winners' names. The correct image now proudly features the champions.
