The Port Natal Bowls (PNB) men's fours championship concluded with a thrilling finale at Westville CC, showcasing exceptional skill and strategy. The competition saw section winners contest knockout rounds, progressing to quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately, the final. In the men's final, Umhlali's Leon Lotter, Dougie Bashford, Les Lothian, and Troy McDowell faced off against Wentworth's Matthew Lassak, backed by Llewelyn Steenkamp, Charles Leydekkers, and Quintin Oosthuizen.
Umhlali's route to the final included a quarter-final victory over clubmates Louis Tolmay, Dave Riley, Hendrik Liebenberg, and Jaco van Zyl. Their semi-final against Hillcrest's Craig and Greg Worst, Jimmy Clark, and Nick Horne was a closely contested match that went down to the wire. After being locked at 12-all after 14 ends, Umhlali produced the decisive shot in the final end to secure their place in the championship showdown.
In the women's final, Umhlanga's Leonie Koedyk, Minnette Hatton-Jones, Lisa Nicholas, and Linda Ellis faced off against Amanzimtoti's Sarie Bisset, Tokkie de Kock, Hilary Lindsay, and Lesley Levy. Umhlanga reached the final after defeating Umhlali's Odette van Zyl, Kerry-Anne Perry, Denise Whitehorn, and Sara Shalovsky in the quarter-final, followed by a victory over Hillary's Leanne Marsh, Shannon Burger, Lorinne Hawkins, and Ricky Fields in the semi-final.
Amanzimtoti survived a quarter-final scare against Collegian's Judy Green, Sheila Moodley, Lorna Drake, and Gail George. Trailing 11–2 after five ends, they found their rhythm and fought back to win 19–16. Their semi-final win over Hillcrest's Fikile Vilakazi-Alberts, Cindy Roos, Joanne Fagan, and Shan Trimborn earned them their place in the final.
The men's final initially appeared to be heading Umhlali's way, leading 13–2 after eight ends. However, Wentworth refused to surrender, winning the next six ends and threatening a remarkable recovery. Umhlali, however, had done enough and claimed the title 15–10. The women's final was a dramatic battle, with Umhlanga eventually emerging as champions after an extra end.
The championship decider looked like a home straight for Umhlanga when an eight on the ninth end propelled them to a commanding 14–5 lead. Yet Amanzimtoti produced another extraordinary recovery, clawing their way back to level the scores at 15-all after 15 ends. An extra end was required, and spectators fell silent as Steve Arendse carefully measured for an umpire's decision, confirming Umhlanga as champions.
Westville BC claimed the men's bronze, while Hillary secured the women's bronze, bringing the PNB 2026 season to a thrilling close. The final championship on the Port Natal Bowls calendar delivered a fitting finale, showcasing fours at its very best, with seamless coordination, dedication to roles, and tactical brilliance combining across every team.
Key points
- Umhlali and Umhlanga were crowned champions in the men's and women's fours finals, respectively.
- The finals were closely contested, with both matches requiring extra ends to determine the winners.
- The PNB 2026 season concluded with Westville BC and Hillary securing the men's and women's bronze medals.
