PNB Masters rise to the occasion
Image: (credit Paul White)
As every seasoned bowler knows, true mastery on the green is far more than simply delivering a bowl accurately. It's a delicate dance of technical precision, strategic insight, adaptability and unwavering consistency. This past weekend, the PNB Masters showcased these qualities in full force.
At the close of play on Saturday, the log standings were a tease for what Sunday had in store. The margins were razor-thin and anticipation ran high.
In the Men's Open, Section 1 leader Jarred Bauristhene had edged two points ahead of Wayne Roberts, with the draw having them facing each in the final sectional game. Section 2 mirrored the drama: Marc Rodgers led Ruaan Victor by one point, and the two were drawn against each other in a winner-takes-all clash.
Umhlali CC's Jill Hackland (Vet) and Linda Tolmay (Open) – 2025 PNB Master's champions. | Monique Lott
Image: (credit Monique Lott)
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The Men's Veterans offered their own nail-biters. Section 1 front-runner John Connellan and Louis Tolmay were separated by a single point, while in Section 2, Roger Boulle led Rodney Ward only on aggregate. Sunday morning was set to test composure and class.
In the Women's Open, Section 1 saw a pivotal showdown between Glenda Matthews and Susan Nel—so close that a single shot on aggregate separated them. Section 2 was even tighter, with Michelle Gerber and Linda Tolmay level on points and only aggregate giving Gerber a slight edge. But Nel and Tolmay turned the tables in their final games and booked their spots in the title clash.
Umhlali CC's ecstatic Linda Tolmay holds her first PNB Open Master's trophy aloft. | Monique Lott
Image: (credit Monique Lott)
The women's veterans continued the trend. Gail Jennings led Judy Green by a point in Section 1. In Section 2, it was equal points for Minette Hatton-Jones and Lorna Drake, with Hatton-Jones just edging it on aggregate. The drama was undeniable.
And then came Sunday.
In the Men's Open, Bauristhene and Rodgers both rose to the occasion, defeating Roberts and Victor respectively, to earn their final berths. In the final, Rodgers wasted no time asserting control and stormed to 21 shots in just 14 ends—claiming his first PNB Masters title. In the Veterans, Boulle was equally emphatic, joining Rodgers in the winners' circle with his own clinical 21-shot finish over 14 ends.
Westville's Roger Boulle celebrates his first PNB Master's win. | Judy Bowland
Image: (credit Judy Bowland)
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