In the highly-anticipated men’s junior division, Mathewson brought his wealth of experience and international caps to the forefront, setting the stage for a captivating showdown against Adi Esau, Boland’s rising star.
In the game of bowls, where accuracy and tactics matter on the green playing fields, CP Mathewson from the Northern Cape recently showed exceptional skill and sportsmanship at the Bowls South Africa Masters held at the Wingate Park Country Club.
While Adi Esau of Boland claimed the coveted gold, Mathewson’s journey to the silver medal was nothing short of exemplary, showcasing the resilience and talent that define him as a player.
In the highly-anticipated men’s junior division, Mathewson brought his wealth of experience and international caps to the forefront, setting the stage for a captivating showdown against Esau, Boland’s rising star.
The match, hailed as one of the highlights of the finals session, enthralled spectators with its display of precision and skill as the two competitors engaged in a captivating battle of drawing bowls.
Speaking to the DFA Mathewson reflected on how much he enjoyed the experience. “Playing in the final was really good for me, because it was the first time I played in the finals at the SA Masters, and I have played there since I was 17 years old,” Mathewson said.
“The experience gained in that final helped me so much, and it is an honour and a privilege to play in the SA Masters,” he added.
“It is a totally different mindset when you play there, and your game plan is also very different. The matches are really intense, and you need to maintain focus throughout the game at all times.”
Despite falling short of gold, Mathewson’s performance was nothing short of commendable. His unwavering focus and tactical prowess kept spectators on the edge of their seats, showcasing the calibre of talent that the Northern Cape has to offer in the world of bowls. With a silver medal to his name at the Under-30 Junior Masters, Mathewson’s achievement underscores his status as a formidable force in the sport.
Mathewson emphasised the fact that the level of competition was of a high standard; very high. “When going to the Masters, you need to be on form, and you also need to be very consistent when playing, because it is a much higher level than playing at home,” he said.
“I am disappointed that I only got to bring home the silver medal because I am a winner by heart and always want to win,” Mathewson confessed. “But I am very grateful for the silver medal; it still remains a big honour to be able to bring home silver, but yes, I am disappointed that gold eluded me.”
Reflecting on his performance in the final, Mathewson remarked, “The final game, I didn’t feel comfortable and didn’t play my best bowls. In the previous group games, I played better and was more consistent.
“It might have been because we moved from one green to another that threw me off – not that it’s an excuse, but that might have thrown me off a bit. The guy I played against was a really good player, and on the day, he was just better than what I was.”
Hailing from the Northern Cape, Mathewson’s journey to the upper echelons of bowls has been marked by dedication and perseverance. His impressive showing at the Masters adds another chapter to his illustrious career, further solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest talents in South African bowls.
As Mathewson reflects on his silver medal finish, he can do so with pride and determination, knowing that his journey is far from over.
With his sights set on future competitions and continued growth within the sport, Mathewson remains a shining example of the resilience and passion that define the local bowls community.
