07/06/2026
Mathewsons Retain Kimberley Mixed Pairs Crown
The Kimberley Sub-District Mixed Pairs Championship reached its conclusion on Sunday after two weekends of highly competitive bowling, with the region's top mixed combinations battling it out for honours in chilly winter conditions.
While temperatures remained low throughout the weekend, the standard of bowls on display was anything but cold, as players produced a number of outstanding performances in pursuit of the coveted title.
Following several rounds of demanding sectional play, four teams emerged to contest the semi-finals. Defending champions CP and Annelie Mathewson faced Freddy du Plessis and Helena Janse, while Driaan van Niekerk and Letticia Sterley took on John and Jeanne Vertue.
Both semi-finals had comfortable margins, with the Mathewsons and the combination of Van Niekerk and Sterley securing victories to book their places in the final. The results set up a repeat of last year's championship decider, adding further intrigue to an already exciting weekend.
The final lived up to expectations, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage during the early stages. After 14 ends the scores were locked at 11-all, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. However, in a scenario that has become familiar to many bowlers across the province, the experienced Mathewsons found another gear when it mattered most. Producing a clinical closing stretch, they pulled away from their opponents and ultimately secured a comfortable victory to successfully defend their title.
The playoff for third place was equally competitive. Freddy du Plessis and Helena Janse showed great determination to overcome John and Jeanne Vertue and claim the bronze medal position. Despite narrowly missing out on a podium finish, the father-and-daughter pairing of John and Jeanne can look back with pride on an excellent tournament campaign, having reached the semi-finals and challenged some of the district's strongest combinations.
Congratulations must also go to David Paulse and Rene van Niekerk, who finished fifth, as well as Charl and Cherese Labuschagne, who secured sixth place. Their performances earned them qualification for the Northern Cape Mixed Pairs Championships, which will be hosted in Kimberley this coming weekend.
With another successful Kimberley Sub-District Mixed Pairs Championship completed, attention now turns to the provincial event, where the district's leading combinations will look to continue their impressive form against the best bowlers from across the Northern Cape.
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