WELKOM – The Northern Cape Bowls (NCB) U35 A team produced a memorable performance at Bowls South Africa’s (BSA) U35 Inter Districts in Welkom this past weekend, eventually claiming a silver medal after a dramatic semi-final victory and a hard-fought final against Border.

During the sectional stages of the tournament, the NCB side had already made a strong statement, topping their section after seven gruelling games to secure their place in the semi-finals.

Sunday morning brought the next challenge, with the semi-final draw determining that Northern Cape would face Natal Inland.

The importance of the occasion was not lost on the players, with a number of supporters making the trip to Welkom to get behind the team. Supporters travelled from Kimberley, Upington, Prieska and Kuruman to cheer on the Northern Cape players, and their presence did not go unnoticed.

Dramatic semi-final comeback

Appreciation could be seen on the faces of the players as they took to the green, with the support from back home providing an additional boost as they prepared for what would prove to be a tense and closely contested semi-final.

Natal Inland made the stronger start, taking an early lead. The NCB team, however, showed the resilience that had become a defining feature of their tournament and fought their way back into the contest to take the first set.

The second set saw Natal Inland regain control and dominate proceedings, building a significant advantage and putting Northern Cape under considerable pressure heading into the deciding set.

Once again, the NCB team had to dig deep.

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It was something they had been required to do throughout the tournament. Time and again, the four players had demonstrated their ability to remain composed under pressure, recover from difficult positions and produce their best bowls when the game was on the line.

The final set followed a similar pattern.

With the game seemingly slipping away, Northern Cape began to slowly claw their way back during the final five ends. The comeback gathered momentum as the NCB side refused to surrender.

With everything resting on the final end, Northern Cape picked up one shot to level the game at 12-12.

Despite the tied score, the result was determined by the number of sets won. Northern Cape had taken two of the three sets, whilst Natal Inland had won one, securing NCB’s place in the final.

It was a remarkable escape and another example of the fighting spirit that had carried the team through the tournament.

Final proves a bridge too far

Awaiting them in the final was Border, who had secured their place in the gold-medal match after defeating Port Natal in their semi-final.

Unfortunately for Northern Cape, the final proved to be a very different contest.

Border came out firing and took control of the match from the opening end. After just three ends, the Border side had established a commanding 12-0 lead.

The NCB team tried everything to fight their way back into the contest, but Border were relentless. All four Border players produced an exceptional performance and gave Northern Cape very little opportunity to regain momentum.

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Despite their best efforts, the NCB side could not replicate the dramatic comeback that had carried them through the semi-final. Border maintained their advantage and eventually secured a convincing victory to claim the gold medal.

For Northern Cape, it was a heartbreaking end to what had nevertheless been an outstanding tournament.

Silver medal success

The silver medal represents a significant achievement for the four NCB players – Driaan van Niekerk and Charl Labuschagne from Kimberley Sub-District, and Le Roux and Chaleen Fourie from Kalahari Sub-District – who battled through seven sectional games before producing a dramatic semi-final victory to earn their place in the final.

Their performance throughout the tournament demonstrated determination, resilience and composure under pressure, whilst their ability to fight back from difficult positions became one of the defining features of their campaign.

The NCB U35 B side also enjoyed a superb tournament, remaining in contention for a place in the semi-finals right up until their final sectional game.

The achievements of both Northern Cape teams have been a source of immense pride for the entire NCB bowling fraternity.

Whilst the A side will undoubtedly reflect on what might have been after falling short in the final, their silver-medal finish is a testament to the quality and fighting spirit of the team.

For the supporters who made the journey to Welkom, and for those following the action throughout the Northern Cape, the players gave them plenty to be proud of.

The gold medal may have gone to Border, but the NCB U35 A team returns home with silver medals and the knowledge that they stood among the best young bowlers in the country and represented the Northern Cape with distinction.

President praises team’s achievement

Braam van der Westhuizen, NCB president, said a total of 39 teams from all over South Africa took part and NCB’s A team, which took silver, showed that bowls in the province is healthy despite distances and limited resources.

The B team consisted of Wessel Fourie, Andreï Matthee and Su-Monique le Roux from Kalahari, with Raymond Hardiman from Conroy, and Caren van der Westhuizen as team manager.

He said what makes the achievement so remarkable is that the players come from De Aar, Upington, Postmasburg and Kimberley, and were unable to train together even once. That is the difference between the Northern Cape and the rest – that unique chemistry and grit.

Van der Westhuizen thanked all the spectators who travelled to Welkom and expressed his immense appreciation to everyone, commenting that a new season filled with many achievements is awaiting.