Drama, determination and a touch of history on display at Northern Cape Pairs Championships

WHAT began as a weekend under brooding Kimberley skies ended in sunshine, emotion, and history as the Northern Cape Pairs Championships opened the 2025/026 NCB season with two days of gripping bowls.

By late Friday night, relentless rain had left the greens soaked and organisers anxious. Players spent the evening refreshing weather apps, hoping the first major title of the season wouldn’t be washed away before it began. But by Saturday morning, the clouds finally relented. The greens at Sol Plaatje West End and Beaconsfield Park glistened in patches of sunlight, and with them came renewed optimism.

Sectional Play: Close Calls and Big Moments

With qualifiers from all four subdistricts fighting for early-season bragging rights, every bowl mattered. At both venues, spectators witnessed everything from long-distance draw shots that hugged the jack to late steal ends that swung entire sections in the final minutes.

In several groups, semi-final spots weren’t secured until the very last bowl of the very last end, the kind of pressure that leaves even seasoned players exhaling in disbelief.

Men’s Semi-Finals: Momentum, Grit and a Late Charge

Sunday morning brought a shifted atmosphere, brighter weather, cleaner greens, and players with the intensity of a new season burning in their eyes.

LeRoux Fourie and Michael Siepker wasted no time announcing their intent in their semi-final against CP Mathewson and Barry Minopetros. They surged ahead early, displaying the synergy of a pair who know each other’s rhythm instinctively. CP and Barry rallied late, clawing back valuable shots, but the early gap proved too much.

LeRoux and Michael marched into the final with confidence.

The second men’s semi-final was a family affair turned tactical battle: the experienced grandfather-grandson duo of Wimpie Viljoen and Jonathan van der Skryff up against the in-form pairing of Stephan Enslin and Dewald van Wyk. For most of the match, Wimpie and Jonathan quietly controlled the scoreboard. But with three ends to play, Stephan and Dewald delivered a composed, clinical surge, stealing the lead and holding it to the finish.

Ladies’ Semi-Finals: Quality, Spirit and Heart

The women’s competition had its own drama, with both semi-finals producing moments of brilliance and sportsmanship.

Charlene Fourie and Marianne Botha held off a spirited challenge from Liezl Kock and Alet van Heerden, while on the adjacent green, Niekie Kotze and Louise Oosthuizen displayed nerves of steel to edge out Manda Schoon and Babsie Burger. Smiles, fist bumps, and warm embraces followed each game, a reminder that bowls thrives not only on competitiveness but on community.

A First for the Kalahari

For the first time in Northern Cape Bowls history, both the men’s and women’s finals featured teams from the Kalahari Sub District, a proud milestone for the region and a moment that had supporters buzzing throughout Sunday.

Men’s Final: A Statement Victory

Determined to reclaim the title they last won three years ago, LeRoux Fourie and Michael Siepker stepped into the final with laser-sharp focus. Once again, they built an early lead, applying pressure with every end.

Stephan Enslin and Dewald van Wyk fought hard, delivering several standout shots, but LeRoux and Michael were simply on another level. Michael’s consistency at lead laid the foundation, while LeRoux produced the kind of conversions that shift momentum and break resistance.

Their powerful, cohesive performance earned them their second Northern Cape Pairs Championship crown, a victory they celebrated with visible emotion and well-deserved pride.

Women’s Final: Kotze and Oosthuizen Rise to the Moment

The women’s final capped the weekend with style and grit. Niekie Kotze and Louise Oosthuizen, who had shown superb composure all tournament, held firm against the talented duo of Charlene Fourie and Marianne Botha.

With steady hands and sharp decision-making, Niekie and Louise closed out the match to claim the 2025/26 Northern Cape Pairs Championship title; their smiles said everything.

Bronze Medal Matches

• Women’s Bronze: Manda Schoon & Babsie Burger
• Men’s Bronze: CP Mathewson & Barry Minopetros

Gratitude and the Road Ahead

Organisers extended heartfelt thanks to Sol Plaatje West End and Beaconsfield Park for hosting, and to the officials, volunteers, and supporters who kept the championship running smoothly through challenging weather.

As cars packed up and greens emptied, players shared final laughs, handshakes, and promises of “See you in January.”

The next stop? The Northern Cape Fours Championships are in early 2026, and if this weekend is anything to go by, the season is already shaping up to be unforgettable.