Against the odds, the Northern Cape Bowls community once again showcased its resilience at the Bowls South Africa (BSA) Junior Nationals in Bloemfontein from March 29 to April 1.

Despite limited preparation time and last-minute player withdrawals, the young teams rose to the challenge, delivering performances packed with grit, determination, and skill.

Under-18 Team: Fighting Until the End

The NC’s Under-18 team played with heart and passion, securing three wins out of their six games. But what truly defined their performance was how close they came to winning even more.

Two of their losses were heartbreakers, each decided by just a single shot – one against Sedibeng, the section leaders, and another against Western Province, who finished second. A mere twist of fate in those crucial moments could have seen them competing for a medal.

Regardless of the final results, this young team showed they have the talent and temperament to compete with the best, leaving spectators and coaches thoroughly impressed.

Under-25 Teams: A Lesson in Resilience

For the two Under-25 teams, the tournament was a test of character. One team struggled to find their rhythm in the final standings, but the reality on the greens told a different story. They put up a fight in every game, challenging their opponents in tense, hard-fought battles.

Their potential was clear for all to see, and the experience gained at this level will undoubtedly strengthen them for future competitions.

A Journey to Bronze: NC Youngsters rise to the Occasion

The Northern Cape had every reason to celebrate as Kieran Kelly, Japie Steyn, Andrei Matthee, and Kenneth Penderis claimed a well-earned bronze medal. Their road to the podium was nothing short of thrilling.

Topping their section, they set up a semi-final clash against Northern Free State, where they found themselves in early trouble, trailing 7-0. But true champions never back down. With remarkable composure, they clawed their way back to take an 8-7 lead after five ends, setting the stage for a nail-biting contest.

The end saw them needing three shots to secure the win. For a brief moment, they held four, tantalisingly close to victory, only for the Northern Free State skipper to deliver a perfect draw and snatch the win.

What makes this bronze medal even more special is the journey behind it. Kelly and Penderis were part of the Northern Cape team that won gold at the 2019 BSA Under-15 Nationals. Meanwhile, Steyn and Matthee honed their skills at the 2023 Under-30 Inter-Districts.

Their growth and perseverance have now paid off, making them a source of pride for the entire Northern Cape bowls community.

A Community Effort: Words of Thanks

Northern Cape Bowls President Braam van der Westhuizen was full of appreciation for everyone who played a role in this successful campaign. He singled out secretary Caren van der Westhuizen for her tireless dedication, not only in managing the extensive pre-tournament preparations but also in guiding the Under-18 team throughout the event. A special thank-you was also extended to Cathy and Gavin Penderis, who managed the Under-25 teams with unwavering commitment.

Beyond the greens, the support from parents, sponsors, and enthusiastic supporters from Kimberley, Upington, and Kuruman played a crucial role in inspiring the young players. Their presence and encouragement fueled the team’s fighting spirit, showing once again that success in sport is never an individual effort – it’s a community triumph.

With such a strong foundation and continued support, Northern Cape Bowls is poised for even greater achievements in the years to come.

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