Port Natal's bowlers have made their mark at both national and international levels, showcasing the district's depth of talent and commitment. At the BSA U35 Inter-District Tournament in Welkom, the Under 35 teams demonstrated their potential, with the U35 A side reaching the medal stages under the management of Ed Steffens. The team's success was led by outstanding performances from Ruaan Victor, Troy Garland, Keegan Bauristhene, and Siya Mkize.
The U35 A side recorded eight wins from nine games to finish three points clear of the second-placed district and claim their section. This earned them a place in the semi-finals against the eventual gold medallists, Border A. Despite a strong performance, Port Natal's hopes were dashed when Border skip drove at the head and scattered the bowls, bringing the Port Natal rally to an end. The team's performance demonstrated their ability and composure when representing their district at the highest level.
The second Port Natal combination of Brad Claassens, Jarred Bauristhene, Troy McDowell, and Thube Mwandla faced a demanding section and finished fourth after the sectional rounds. Although they did not progress to the medal stages, their performance provided valuable experience and an opportunity to test themselves against emerging talent. This experience will likely benefit the team in future competitions.
Meanwhile, experienced Port Natal representatives achieved remarkable results on the international stage. Wayne Roberts returned from Zambia after representing South Africa at the Africa States Tournament with three medals. Roberts claimed bronze in the Pairs, gold in the Men’s Singles, and a second gold medal as part of the South African team that secured overall victory in the tournament.
Susan Nel managed the Protea women, who produced a clean sweep, claiming gold in the Fours, Trips, Pairs, and Singles. This achievement marked a notable success for the team and for Nel as the team manager. The women's team demonstrated their skill and teamwork in achieving this impressive result.
With recent successes still fresh in the memory, attention now turns to the 2026 PNB Masters Championships. The men will compete at Stella Park Bowling Club, while the women will compete at Hillary Bowling Club. The Masters competitions are known for closely fought encounters, tactical bowls, and narrow margins, with experience often proving crucial.
The 2026 PNB Masters Championships will provide another opportunity for Port Natal's top bowlers to showcase their talent. Spectators can expect competitive action as the contenders battle for the 2026 titles. The tournaments will likely feature tactical play and narrow margins, making for exciting viewing.
Key points
- Port Natal's Under 35 bowlers excelled at the BSA U35 Inter-District Tournament.
- Wayne Roberts won three medals at the Africa States Tournament.
- The Protea women's team achieved a clean sweep under the management of Susan Nel.
