Lawn bowls drama as family showdown defines Northern Cape Mixed Pairs title

THE NORTHERN Cape Mixed Pairs Championship was contested this past weekend at Kimberley Town Bowling Club, with 16 top teams from across the province's four sub-districts vying for the title and a coveted spot at the Bowls South Africa Mixed Pairs, set to take place in Polokwane later this year.

After an intense round-robin format on Saturday, four teams emerged as section winners to secure their places in the semi-finals: CP and Annelie Mathewson (Beaconsfield Park Bowling Green Club), Driaan van Niekerk and Letticia Sterley (Beaconsfield Park), Wihan and Orsiela Smit (Bloemhof), and Jurg and Louise Oosthuizen (Ammosal).

Driaan and Letticia, still riding high after their recent form in the Kimberley Sub-District Mixed Pairs, were clinical in their semi-final, dispatching Jurg and Louise with relative ease to secure the first spot in the final. 

The second semi-final proved to be a thrilling and emotional encounter. In a match filled with momentum shifts and brilliant play, CP and Annelie went head-to-head with Wihan and Orsiela in a tense mother-and-son showdown. With the score locked at 14-all after 20 ends, it was Wihan who played a brilliant shot to rest Annelie’s bowl out for the shot. CP narrowly missed reclaiming it, missing by just inches. With that, the defending champions were edged out, and Wihan and Orsiela advanced to the final.

The championship match did not disappoint. Wihan and Orsiela came out strong, building an early 8-2 lead. Driaan and Letticia slowly clawed their way back into the contest and at one point led 12-8, seemingly turning the tide in their favour. However, Wihan and Orsiela remained composed, delivering accurate and consistent bowls when it mattered most. In the end, they held on for a narrow 19-17 victory to be crowned Northern Cape Mixed Pairs Champions.

In the third and fourth place play-off, Jurg and Louise got the better of CP and Annelie to round off a competitive weekend of bowls.

Congratulations and best wishes were extended to Wihan and Orsiela as they go on to represent Northern Cape Bowls at the BSA Mixed Pairs later this year.

“A special thank you goes out to the members of Kimberley Town Bowling Club for their warm hospitality and excellent facilities. Our appreciation also goes to the competition secretaries, umpires, and all who contributed behind the scenes to ensure a smooth and successful tournament. Finally, thank you to all the supporters who came out to cheer on the players,” said Driaan van Niekerk.

Meanwhile, NC Bowls wished safe travels to everyone heading home after the competition, as everyone sets themselves for next weekend, when the NCB Mini Districts will take place in Upington and Kathu.