Thrilling Northern Cape Fours Qualifiers showcase bowling excellence in Kimberley's sweltering heat
Kimberley hosted the Northern Cape Fours qualifiers amid sweltering heat, with CP Mathewson and Susan Le Roux claiming men’s and women’s titles. High-level competition, dramatic finals, and strong community support marked another memorable bowls weekend. Seen are the men's winners from left: Kieran Kelly, CP Mathewson, David Paulse, Scotty Elliott and Braam van der Westhuizen (Northern Cape Bowls President)
Image: Facebook
KIMBERLEY was the centre of excitement this past weekend as teams from across the district battled for supremacy in the Northern Cape Bowls (NCB) Fours Championships. Despite temperatures soaring into the high 30s and at times touching 40°C, players showed remarkable skill and resilience.
Saturday’s sectional rounds saw the Men’s fours take to the greens at Beaconsfield Park, while the women’s teams competed at Sol Plaatje Bowling Club. The extreme heat tested stamina, but the quality of play remained exceptional throughout.
Early Sunday, semi-final action kicked off at Sol Plaatje. In the Men’s bracket, CP Mathewson’s squad maintained their commanding form, comfortably advancing to the final. Upington’s Le Roux Fourie side also progressed, setting up a rematch of last year’s championship decider.
The men’s final was tightly contested, with Mathewson’s team holding a slender lead for most of the match. They turned up the intensity in the final ends, clinching the title in a satisfying turnaround from the previous year. CP Mathewson, David Paulse, Scotty Elliot, and Kieran Kelly of Beaconsfield Park emerged as the 2026 NCB Fours champions.
Upington’s team, Le Roux Fourie, Wessel Fourie, Werner Mathee, and Michael Siepker, finished runners-up, proud of their second consecutive finals appearance. Third and fourth places went to Beaconsfield Park’s Marco Geel, Driaan van Niekerk, Gerrit Gagiano, JP Marais, and Kimberley Town’s Adriaan du Plessis, Greg Bowles, Neville Ridgard, and Ananias Mohale, respectively.
The Women's semi-finals provided equally gripping contests. Annelie Mathewson’s squad overturned an early deficit to secure a place in the final, while Susan Le Roux’s team advanced after a nail-biting encounter.
Sunday’s Women’s final lived up to expectations, with scores remaining tight throughout. Ammosal’s Susan Le Roux, Sue-Monique Le Roux, Lorraine Kriel, and Louise Oosthuizen narrowly defeated defending champions Annelie Mathewson, Rene van Niekerk, Helena Janse, and Cherishe Labuschagne of Beaconsfield Park, 16–13, in a thrilling finish.
Third place was claimed by Marietjie van den Berg, Liezel Kock, Corne van der Walt, and Elmarie Bredenkamp of Van der Kloof, while fourth went to Beaconsfield Park’s Adi Koekemoer, Charmaine Roelofse, Lizette de Reuck, and Carla Ellis.
Seen are the ladies' winners: Louise Oosthuizen, Lorraine Kriek, Sue-Monique Le Roux, Susan Le Roux, and Braam vd Westhuizen.
Image: Facebook
NCB president Braam van der Westhuizen praised both host clubs and the NCB executive for a smooth-running weekend, highlighting the enthusiastic support from spectators, which added energy and atmosphere to the competition.
The Northern Cape bowls fraternity also extended best wishes to CP Mathewson, who will represent the region at the upcoming Bowls South Africa Open Masters at Wingate Park. Players and supporters alike were wished safe journeys home after a weekend that showcased the skill, sportsmanship, and dedication of the province’s top bowlers.