Boland has a new star as Adi Esau won gold on Sunday.

The next generation of bowls stars proved that the future of bowls in the country is indeed bright following an impressive showing at the Bowls South Africa Masters at Wingate Park Country Club.

The blue ribbon singles event ended on Sunday afternoon and it was the youngsters that entertained the big crowds that streamed in to watch.

In the Men’s Junior division it was a fascinating battle between CP Mathewson, already a capped international, against the impressive talent from the Boland in Adi Esau.

It was arguably the highest quality match of the finals session as the crowd cheered and cheered as the pair put on a display of excellent drawing bowls.

CP Mathewson finished with a silver medal at the U30 Junior Masters.

Eventually it was the persistence of Esau that saw him claim the gold medal. A quiet character, Esau has come through the ranks and has already shown at district level and represented Boland in the Open inter-district side.

He now has achieved a significant milestone in any young bowler’s career by claiming the gold medal in the U30 Junior BSA Masters. He will have the choice to compete against the best in the Open division next year much like Kholwani Khanyile did after his win in 2023.

The KZN rising star acquitted himself well stepping up to the next level with two wins in his debut in the Open Masters.

Lezandri Hildebrand entertained the supporters en route to her gold medal.

The Junior Ladies Masters was another brilliant encounter with a lot of support coming in for Lezandri Hildebrand from North West Bowls. She was tasked with attempting to take down Protea Thabelo Muvhango, a player who was part of the silver medal winning combination at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Hildebrand showed no sign of nerves as the underdog and displayed an excellent array of shot-making to storm into a commanding lead. It would be a lead that she would not surrender as he managed to keep Muvhango at bay before running out as a 21-10 victor.

Proteas star Thabelo Muvhango banked a silver medal at Wingate Park.

Another young star with international experience is Dezi Rosenblatt from The Woods Bowling Club in Port Elizabeth. She managed to beat fellow Protea Nici Neal in convincing fashion in the final game of sectional play to set up a showdown for gold against Esme Haley, the veteran star from Johannesburg.

Haley was unbeaten in sectional play and then showed why she has been so unstoppable through the weekend at Wingate Park.

Rosenblatt gave a valiant effort in her bid for gold but she will be more than satisfied with her silver medal.