The Pairs Championships of the Kimberley Sub-District Bowling Association that kicked off recently, marked the beginning of the 2023/24 bowls season in the Northern Cape. During the past two weekends, avid bowlers came together to participate in a competition that highlighted the skills and camaraderie of both men and women on the greens.
Thrilling victory in the Kimberley Sub-District Bowling Association Pairs Championships
The Pairs Championships of the Kimberley Sub-District Bowling Association that kicked off recently, marked the beginning of the 2023/24 bowls season in the Northern Cape. During the past two weekends, avid bowlers came together to participate in a competition that highlighted the skills and camaraderie of both men and women on the greens.
The men’s event was divided into four sections, each comprising six teams. The action heated up as these teams vied for a place in the semi-finals and, ultimately, the finals.
Eventually, in a nail-biting final showdown, it was the duo of Driaan van Niekerk and Jobo de Villiers from Beaconsfield Park Bowling Green Club who emerged victorious as the Kimberley Sub-District Bowling Association men’s pairs champions.
The final had spectators on the edge of their seats as neither team could establish a substantial lead, with the score remaining close throughout. However, on the second-last end, with the game locked at 12-all, Driaan and Jobo made a crucial move by picking up three shots, giving them a slight cushion heading into the final end. Jobo’s stellar performance on the last end applied immense pressure to their opponents, resulting in Driaan and Jobo securing an additional two shots to win the final with a score of 17-12.
Runners-up were Dudley Daniels and Shaun Campher from KEW Bowling Club, and third place went to David Paulse and Janie van der Westhuizen (Beaconsfield).
Coming in, in fourth place, were Barry Minopetros and Clint Kneen (Beaconsfield). Charles Peter and Etienne Mathewson placed fifth and Badie Myburgh and Varkie de Jager ended sixth, and also earned spots in the Northern Cape Bowls pairs, which will take place in Kimberley next weekend.
The Women’s competition saw a field divided into two sections, with the winners of each section clashing in the final. Geraldine Moodaley and Michelle van Zyl from KEW Bowling Club showcased their prowess and maintained their consistency throughout the tournament, securing a comfortable victory in the Women’s final.
Unfortunately, runners-up Letticia Sterley and Charmaine Roelofse from Beaconsfield Park Bowling Green Club had a game where things just did not click, but they vowed to make a strong comeback in the upcoming Northern Cape Pairs event.
Louisa Williams and Cheryl-Ann van Wyk from Sol Plaatje West End Bowls Club earned third place, while Annelie Mathewson and Daff Minopetros took fourth place.
However, it has to be said that the excitement is far from over, as next weekend, the Northern Cape pairs will be held in Kimberley, with qualifiers from Intervaal, Conroy, and Kalahari, the other three sub-districts of the Northern Cape set to converge to stake their claim on the first title of the year.
It promises to be a thrilling showdown that will further showcase the talent and competitive spirit of bowlers in the Northern Cape.
Looking back, the Kimberley Sub-District Bowling Association Pairs Championships served as a fantastic start to the 202/24 bowls season, with unforgettable moments and exceptional displays of skill. No doubt, bowlers and fans alike are already looking forward to the upcoming Northern Cape Pairs event, where the competition is sure to be fierce.
