The Upington-based men’s team walked away as winners at the Northern Cape Bowls (NCB) Fours Championship, where 16 top teams of the province battled it out.
Intense competition, dramatic finishes, and standout performances were features of this event at the end of March in Kimberley.
Upington men stunned Kimberley contenders
The Saturday’s sectional play produced some nail-biting finishes, with three teams from Kimberley and one from Kalahari advancing to the semi-finals. The hometown crowd anticipated a strong showing from the Kimberley sides, but the Upington-based Kalahari team had other plans.
Brothers LeRoux and Wessel Fourie, alongside teammates Werner Matthee and Michael Siepker from Upington dominated their semi-final clash against Clint Kneen, John Vertue, Jean de Klerk, and Jobo de Villiers from Kimberley, securing their place in the final.
Facing off against the pre-tournament favorites – CP Mathewson, David Paulse, Scotty Elliot, and Freddy du Plessis from Kimberley – the Upington team surged ahead early. Their commanding start was briefly halted when CP’s team rallied with a well-constructed six, to get back into the game. Both teams continued to play superb bowls throughout. The score was level 19-19 after 19 ends.
With tension mounting, the Upington side edged ahead by a single shot in the 20th end. The final end saw the shot change hands multiple times, culminating in a brilliant draw by Fourie, who placed a front toucher with his last bowl.
Paulse responded with an attacking shot that shifted the jack, leaving CP’s team holding two shots. However, skipper (LeRoux) Fourie delivered two impeccable bowls to reclaim control and seal the victory for Upington.
The celebrations erupted as players and supporters alike swarmed the green to congratulate the new champions.
The bronze medal went to the KEW Bowling Club’s Roy Williams, Carlon Moodaley, Keshan Moodaley and Shaun Campfer.
Kimberley’s Mathewson leads women’s team to victory
The women’s final saw Annelie Mathewson, René van Niekerk, Helena Janse and Nadine Dames from Kimberley clash with Sonja Bean, Niekie Kotze, Miranda van Wyk and Charmaine Loock from Kathu.
The tightly contested match remained close through the first half. Momentum shifted when Janse trailed the jack into the ditch with a superb bowl, followed by another pin-point draw onto the ditch board. Van Niekerk and Mathewson capitalised, adding extra shots to secure a four-shot gain. From that point, the Kimberley team maintained control, closing out the game and earning the title of 2025 champions.
The bronze medal match saw Maria Sequeira, Liezel Kock, Rentia Pienaar and Santjie Venter from Conroy defeat Geraldine Moodaley, Raff Matthews, Michelle van Zyl and Louisa Williams from KEW Bowling Club to claim third place.
Successful tournament
The NCB extends its gratitude to the hosting clubs, Beaconsfield Park and Sol Plaatje West End, for their hospitality and excellent facilities. A special thanks goes to the competition secretaries and umpires who ensured a smoothly run tournament.
With another successful championship in the books, players and fans now look forward to future competitions.
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