Believe, fight, achieve: a big weekend for PNB bowlers

A triumphant weekend unfolded for Port Natal Bowls’ Neil Tovey and Debbie de Kock at the prestigious Bowls South Africa Mixed Pairs Championship. Their journey to the top was marked by unwavering determination and a refusal to back down, even when the odds were stacked against them. Despite playing on faster greens than they were used to, the PNB pair emerged victorious, securing an impressive six wins out of their nine games during the three-day competition.

Their challenge was further amplified by competing against the eventual BSA Mixed Pairs champions, Tyler and Gillian Pitcher, who put up a tough fight. In the end, Neil and Debbie's hard work and resilience paid off, as they finished the tournament on 22 points, just four points shy of the bronze medal. Their inspiring message to fellow PNB bowlers is one of perseverance: "Once you get over the apprehension of competing at this level, you realise that if you put your mind to the game, anyone is capable of winning.

You just have to believe in yourself and your partner." The message will certainly be heard loud and clear as Port Natal Bowls prepares to host the KZN Men's and Women's Pairs Championships this weekend. With 53 PNB clubs represented in the men's pairs and 29 in the women's pairs, the district has shown its depth and passion for the sport.

Among the PNB athletes to watch closely are defending KZN Men’s Pairs champions Wayne Roberts and Roger Boulle, as well as Umhlanga Bowling Club’s Natalie Botha and Minnette Hatton-Jones, the silver medalists of 2025. With the pressure of representing the district high, the PNB bowlers are reminded to believe in themselves, trust their partners, and never give up.

As Neil and Debbie demonstrated on the national stage, victory can often come down to the wire, with just one shot separating success from disappointment.