Gauteng North clinch historic victory in thrilling BSA Under-35 Inter-Districts finale
Bowls South Africa Under-35 Inter-Districts Tournament
Gauteng North made history at the inaugural Bowls South Africa Under-35 Inter-Districts in Kimberley, edging Natal Inland in a nail-biting 14-all final with a last-end measure to claim the first-ever title, while Northern Cape impressed as proud hosts. Seen from left are: Anesu Ziramba, Lionyl-Jon Page, Carmen Fourie en Cecil Bornman
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The Beaconsfield Park Bowling Green Club in Kimberley played host to a day of high drama and unforgettable sport as the inaugural Bowls South Africa Under-35 Inter-Districts Tournament reached its climax on Tuesday, September 23.
In a final that had fans holding their breath until the very last millimetre, Bowls Gauteng North (BGN) etched their name into history as the first-ever champions of the event.
The championship match pitted BGN against a formidable Natal Inland side. With the scores deadlocked at 14-all heading into the final end, tension crackled across the green. Natal Inland looked set for victory with lead Kholwani Khanyile delivering both a front toucher and a back bowl. Precise positional shots from Calsey Hollis and Caleb Jv Rensburg strengthened their position further, and seemed to seal the outcome.
Spectators leaned forward in anticipation, certain that gold was heading to Natal.
But sport often thrives on the unexpected. Carmen Fourie of BGN delivered a breathtaking attacking bowl that disrupted the head, giving skip Cecil Bornman a golden opportunity. In a moment that would define the tournament, Natal Inland skip Sean Lightfoot, a standout performer throughout the competition, narrowly missed his crucial line. Bornman seized the chance, drawing two precision bowls that forced the match into a tense measure.
A hush descended as officials confirmed the outcome: BGN’s bowl was just millimetres closer. Euphoria erupted as Bornman, Fourie, Anesu Ziramba, and Lionyl-Jon Page celebrated a hard-fought, historic victory that will be remembered for years to come.
Natal Inland took home a hard-earned silver, while the Johannesburg Bowls Association and Sables Bowling Association shared bronze after semi-final exits.
The host province, Northern Cape Bowls, fielded four teams and demonstrated strong form, though both their A and B teams; they narrowly missed advancing to the semis, finishing second in their respective pools of 11.
Skips Charles-Peter Mathewson and LeRoux Fourie acknowledged the disappointment but praised their teammates’ efforts. “It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but representing the Northern Cape on home soil was a true honour,” said Mathewson.
For Kimberley, the tournament went beyond a mere competition; it was a celebration of the city’s sporting heritage. Known as the diamond city, Kimberley once again proved it could sparkle as it hosts world-class bowls, delivers unforgettable drama, and rallies passionate local support.
The first-ever BSA Under-35 Inter-Districts Tournament has set a high bar and promises a bright future for young South African bowlers.