Marietjie van den Berg and CP Mathewson claimed the crowns during the recent Northern Cape Bowls Singles Championships. Picture: Supplied
THE HEAT in the city was turned up to scorching this past weekend when Kimberley played host to the Northern Cape Bowls Singles Championships.
The province’s top 16 men and women showcased their skills in an intense battle for the coveted titles. The precision, strategy, and determination of the competitors ensured that the tournament produced non-stop thrills, proving once again why bowls remains a sport of both mental and physical mastery – which was challenging under Kimberley’s relentless blazing sun.
Marietjie does it again
The women’s final was a repeat of the Kalahari Sub-District showdown, with defending champion Marietjie van den Berg facing off against a formidable opponent, Susan Leeuwner.
This highly-anticipated match saw Marietjie once again demonstrating her exceptional class and consistency, outplaying Susan to claim her third consecutive NCB Singles Championship title. Her dominance in the event is a testament to her skill and unwavering composure under pressure, solidifying her reputation as one of the Northern Cape’s finest bowlers.
CP Mathewson takes it
On the men’s side, the final between CP Mathewson and LeRoux Fourie had spectators captivated from start to finish. LeRoux’s journey to the final was a test of resilience, as he recovered from an early sectional loss to secure three consecutive wins and earn his place in the final.
Meanwhile, CP had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, establishing himself as the player to beat.
The final match was an exhilarating encounter, with both competitors displaying remarkable drawing ability. However, it was CP’s aggressive and strategic attacking play that ultimately tipped the scales in his favour, earning him the title of Northern Cape Bowls Singles Champion for 2025.
A family affair
The third-place play-offs added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, featuring a remarkable husband-and-wife duo. Quintin Kock emerged victorious over Shaun Campher in the men’s division, while Liezl Kock bested Geraldine Moodley in the women’s competition.
Their dual podium finishes underscored the depth of talent within their family and added a unique storyline to the weekend’s proceedings.
Looking Ahead
With this triumph in Kimberley, CP Mathewson now sets his sights on the prestigious Bowls South Africa Masters, scheduled to take place next weekend at Wingate Park in Pretoria. His consistent form and exceptional performance in the Northern Cape Championships will no doubt serve him well on the national stage.
No doubt the bowling fraternity and the province extends its best wishes to CP as he takes on the country’s best in pursuit of further glory.
It has to be said
The success of the tournament was made possible through the efforts of Beaconsfield Park Bowling Green Club and Sol Plaatje West End Bowls Club, whose hospitality and dedication ensured a well-organised and smoothly run event.
The greens were in immaculate condition, providing the perfect stage for the high-quality competition that ensued.
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