The Northern Cape Bowls Fours Championship in Kimberley delivered a weekend of high-stakes competition. Seen (from left) are Jan Brits (NCB Vive-President), LeRoux Fourie, Wessel Fourie, Werner Matthee, Michael Siepker, and Braam vd Westhuisen (NCB President).
Image: Supplied
The Northern Cape Bowls Fours Championship lit up Kimberley last weekend, as 16 of the province’s finest teams battled fiercely for the prestigious 2025 title. With high stakes, relentless determination, and moments of pure brilliance, the tournament turned out to be a spectacle to remember.
As the sectional play unfolded on Saturday, the intensity was palpable. Kimberley had three teams in the semi-finals, fuelling the hopes of the home supporters. But the Upington-based Kalahari team, led by brothers LeRoux and Wessel Fourie, alongside teammates Werner Matthee and Michael Siepker, had their own script in mind.
Their semi-final against Kimberley’s Clint Kneen, John Vertue, Jean de Klerk, and Jobo de Villiers was a masterclass of precision and strategy. With confident play and well-executed shots, the Upington team secured their place in the final, setting up a clash against pre-tournament favourites CP Mathewson, David Paulse, Scotty Elliot, and Freddy du Plessis.
The final was nothing short of a classic. Upington stormed ahead early, only for CP’s team to produce a stunning six-shot turnaround, levelling the match at 19-19 after 19 ends. With nerves fraying and spectators holding their breath, the teams entered the penultimate end. Upington edged ahead by a single shot, setting the stage for a grandstand finish.
The final end was a rollercoaster of emotions. The shot changed hands multiple times, each bowl altering the fate of the match. Then, with ice-cool composure, Wessel Fourie delivered a masterful front toucher, placing Upington in a winning position. Or so everyone thought.
But the drama was far from over – David Paulse launched a precision-driven attacking shot, shifting the jack and momentarily giving his side the lead. The home crowd dared to believe that the game was won. However, LeRoux Fourie, with two shots left, needed perfection. And he delivered. His first bowl nestled perfectly to reclaim the advantage, and with his final delivery, he placed a second flawless shot to seal the victory.
The moment the last bowl settled, cheers erupted across the green. Upington had done it. Players and supporters alike rushed in, congratulating the champions on their remarkable triumph.
The bronze medal went to KEW Bowling Club’s Roy Williams, Carlon Moodaley, Keshan Moodaley, and Shaun Campfer, who delivered a strong performance throughout the tournament.
In the Women's division,seen (from left) are Jan Brits, Helena Janse, Rene van Niekerk, Nadine Dames, Annelie Mathewson, and Braam van der Westhuisen.
Image: Supplied
In the women’s division the action was no less intense. The final brought together two powerhouse teams: Kimberley’s Annelie Mathewson, René van Niekerk, Helena Janse, and Nadine Dames faced off against Kathu’s Sonja Bean, Niekie Kotze, Miranda van Wyk, and Charmaine Loock.
It was a battle of skill and strategy, with neither side giving an inch in the opening exchanges. Then, in a pivotal moment, Helena Janse trailed the jack into the ditch with a brilliant bowl, setting the stage for a four-shot gain. The tide had turned.
With Mathewson and van Niekerk pressing the advantage, the Kimberley side controlled the latter stages and closed out the match in commanding fashion, claiming the 2025 championship.
The battle for bronze was another hard-fought encounter, with Conroy’s Maria Sequeira, Liezel Kock, Rentia Pienaar, and Santjie Venter securing third place over KEW Bowling Club’s Geraldine Moodaley, Raff Matthews, Michelle van Zyl, and Louisa Williams.
In the end, the championship was not only a showcase of talent but also of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
The Northern Cape Bowls Association extended its heartfelt thanks to the host clubs, Beaconsfield Park and Sol Plaatje West End, for their impeccable hospitality and outstanding facilities. The competition secretaries and umpires also played an integral role in ensuring a smooth and fair tournament.
As the sun set on another successful championship, players and fans alike reflected on the weekend’s unforgettable battles. The greens may now be quiet, but the echoes of precision shots, games that went down to the wire, and the joy of triumph will linger long in the memory.
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