Players faced more than just tough competition – they also battled the blazing sun, which tested their focus and stamina. But they pushed through, delivering exciting moments and close games that kept the crowd hooked until the very last end.
THE HEAT was unforgiving as the Northern Cape Pairs Championships rolled into action this past weekend at Sol Plaatje Bowls Club and Beaconsfield Park.
Players faced more than just tough competition – they also battled the blazing sun, which tested their focus and stamina. But they pushed through, delivering exciting moments and close games that kept the crowd hooked until the very last end.
The Men’s final brought together two skilled pairs: CP Mathewson and David Paulse from Beaconsfield Park, and Quinton Kock and Franscios van der Walt from Hanover.
Quinton and Franscios started strong, quickly building a lead with accurate shots and clever teamwork. It looked like they might run away with the game. But CP and David, veterans of many battles on the green, weren’t about to give up.
They fought back, using their experience to close the gap and put pressure on the Hanover duo. But with everything on the line, Quinton showed his talent. His final shots were flawless, sealing what in the end turned out to be a hard-earned win for Hanover.
The victory was especially sweet for Franscios van der Walt, who claimed his second straight NC Pairs Championship title.
In the third-place match, Sishen’s Diann Cilliers and Juan Abbott outplayed Neels de Lange and Okkie Jonker from Bloemhof. Despite a strong showing earlier in the tournament, Neels and Okkie struggled to find their form in this final match.
Women’s Competition
The Women’s final was another thrilling contest. Namibian international Marietjie van den Berg joined forces with young star Nadia Botes from Upington to take on Schweizer-Reneke’s Laura Fouché and Suzette van Wyk.
The combination of Marietjie’s years of experience and Nadia’s youthful energy proved unstoppable. Together, they outplayed their seasoned opponents to take the title.
In the play-off for third place, Beeshoek’s Susan le Roux and Louise Oosthuizen held their nerve to defeat Annelie Mathewson and René van Niekerk. Despite their best efforts, Annelie and René couldn’t maintain their usual high level of play in the punishing heat.
As the weekend ended, the NC Pairs Championships once again showed the heart and skill of the region’s players. Even with the tough conditions, they gave it their all, creating moments of brilliance that will be remembered.
The event ran smoothly, thanks to the hard work of the hosts and organisers. While some players celebrated their victories, others left with valuable lessons and the drive to come back stronger.
