Last week, bowlers from the Port Natal district were able to mark significant achievements both nationally and internationally, demonstrating the depth of talent and dedication in the district.
In Welkom, at the BSA U35 District Tournament, the Port Natal teams in the under-35 category showed that the future of the district is in capable hands. Under the guidance of Ed Steffens, young bowlers displayed determination throughout the tournament, with the U35 A team reaching the semi-finals.
Ruane Victor, Troy Garland, Keegan Bouristen, and Siyabonga Mkhize demonstrated outstanding sectional play, securing eight wins out of nine matches, which allowed them to overtake the second-placed district by three points and win their section. This success earned them a place in the semi-finals against the future gold medalists from Boder A.
Before the final throw, Port Natal trailed by a score of 10–16. With only Victor remaining, the Port Natal contenders had a maximum of six throws, which could have led to an extra round. However, before Victor could increase the score, the skip from Boder hit the center and scattered the pins, ending Port Natal's charge.
Despite the disappointment, the performance showcased not only the ability of the young Port Natal bowlers but also the composure and competitive spirit required to represent their district at the highest level.
The second Port Natal squad, consisting of Brad Claassen, Jared Bouristen, Troy McDowell, and Tube Mvandla, faced a particularly tough section and finished fourth after the sectional rounds. Although they did not advance to the medal rounds, their play provided valuable experience and an opportunity to test themselves against the country's rising stars.
While the U35 Port Natal teams were showcasing their strength at the national level, two more experienced representatives from the district achieved remarkable results on the international stage.
Wayne Roberts returned from Zambia after participating in the Africa Nations Tournament, representing South Africa, and won three medals. He secured bronze in the doubles games, then took gold in the men's singles. Following this, he added a second gold medal as part of the South African team that secured the overall victory in the tournament. This was a memorable campaign for Roberts and another notable achievement for the bowlers of Port Natal and Hillcrest.
Susan Nel captained the Protea women's team, and under her leadership, South Africa achieved an impressive clean sweep, winning gold in Four, Trio, Doubles, and Singles events.
As upcoming events approach, attention turns to another important fixture on the Port Natal calendar—the PNB Masters 2026 Championship. Men will compete on green carpets at the Stella Park Bowling Club from Friday to Sunday, while women will compete at the Hillary Bowling Club on Saturday and Sunday. These competitions are always characterized by tense matches, tactical shots, and narrow margins, where experience is often as crucial as technical skill. The tournaments provide another opportunity for the district's top bowlers to demonstrate their talent, and spectators can expect many competitive battles for the 2026 titles.