Superb skills on display at thrilling Kimberley Men’s and Women’s Pairs finals
The 2025/26 Kimberley Men’s and Women's Pairs tournaments concluded this past weekend with thrilling finals at Sol Plaatje West End and Beaconsfield Park. CP Mathewson and David Paulse claimed the Men’s Pairs title. Seen (from left) are: Kieran Kelly, Clint Kneen, CP Mathewson, David Paulse, Driaan van Niekerk, and Jobo de Villiers.
Image: Supplied
The 2025/26 Kimberley Men’s and Women’s Pairs tournaments concluded this past weekend with edge-of-your-seat action, as players battled not just each other but the ever-threatening rain.
Fortunately, the weather held just long enough for a full slate of sectional rounds and play-offs at Sol Plaatje West End and Beaconsfield Park.
At Sol Plaatje West End, the Men’s Pairs showcased top-tier competition. CP Mathewson and David Paulse dominated the field, dropping only a single sectional game. They carried that momentum into the semi-finals, defeating Rudi Witteveen and Johan Botes, while Driaan van Niekerk and Jobo de Villiers overcame Clint Kneen and Kieran Kelly in the other semi-final.
The final saw Mathewson and Paulse deliver a commanding performance to lift the Men’s Pairs trophy for 2025/26. In the battle for third place, Clint Kneen and Kieran Kelly emerged victorious, with Witteveen and Botes finishing fourth. Greg Bowles and Neville Ridgard (5th) and Roy and Abe Williams (6th) also earned spots in the upcoming Northern Cape Pairs, joining the top four teams.
Geraldine Moodaley and Michelle van Zyl triumphed in the Women's Pairs after a nail-biting extra-end finish. Seen (from left) are: Letticia Sterley, Charmaine Roelofse, Direlda de Klerk, Rene van Niekerk, Geraldine Moodaley, Michelle van Zyl, Helena Janse, and Adri Koekemoer
Image: Supplied
Over at Beaconsfield Park, the Women's Pairs final offered drama until the very last roll. Geraldine Moodaley and Michelle van Zyl faced off against Rene van Niekerk and Direlda de Klerk in a nail-biting clash. Van Niekerk and De Klerk forced an extra end with a stunning four on the final regular end, but Moodaley and Van Zyl held their nerve to clinch the championship.
Charmaine Roelofse and Letticia Sterley secured third place, while Adi Koekemoer and Helena Janse finished fourth. All four pairs will also proudly represent Kimberley at the Northern Cape Pairs later this month.
Organisers praised the hosting clubs for their top-notch facilities and hospitality, and thanked the competition secretaries and volunteers for making this year’s tournaments a memorable success.