Malobolo, Neluonde claim SA pairs title

Wilson Malobolo and Prince Neluonde headlined the winners on finals day at the 2024 Bowls South Africa Men’s National Championships at Bedfordview Bowling Club on Sunday.

The pair have a rich history already in the game but it was no secret that they were chasing this particular title after a few failed attempts.

The final on Sunday against Otto Holicki and Warren Steyn was anything but straight forward as the Linden duo withstood any challenge laid down by Malobolo/Neluonde.

The class of the winners though shone through as they battled their way past Holicki/Steyn 16-15 with persistent drawing and some exciting shot-making.

The 2024 champions added this title to the SA Nationals Fours gold medal they won a few years back as they continue to set the pace and put their names forward for international honours.

“This one means a lot,” said Neluonde, who won the gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the triples discipline.

“Wilson and myself set the target early. We’ve tried and tried and to eventually lift this trophy … it means the world to us.”

Malobolo was full of praise for his teammate pushing through on Sunday despite some ill-health.

“It was a pity that Prince wasn’t feeling 100% but I know what he’s capable of … he hung in there and helped do his part against two difficult opponents. We always play like this … if one is not doing so well, the other lifts their game.

“It was a great game. Really tough and credit to Otto and Warren for their tournament too.”

In the Open Singles, Wayne Roberts put on a masterclass to defeat 2023 champion Paul White.

It was a fascinating day of singles as White put on a stunning display to advance to the final past BSA Gold Squad member Shaun Thomas with a resounding 21-5 scoreline.

The shoe was on the other foot an hour later as White had not reply for Roberts’ exhibition as he cruised home with a 21-6 win.

Roberts will now represent South Africa at the World Champion of Champions tournament in Auckland, New Zeeland.

“It’s out of this world,” said Roberts, the reigning African States Singles champion.

“I lost in 2016 in the final and I’m happy to finally do it … it’s been a long time coming. It means everything right now.”

Roberts knows the game of White well as they both play in the Port Natal district and watched the semi-final which gave him the insight into what was in store.

“He was unbelievable in the morning game, so I knew it was going to be tough. He’s a good competitor and it’s never easy beating Paul - we’ve played against each other often.

“Some lucky moments went my way in the early stages. It’s not nice but that’s all part of the game.”

In the Fours final, the host club were left in tears of joy as Alan Gordon and his Bedfordview side beat Protea Jason Evans’ Morningside Country Club team which included Shaun Thomas at lead.

It was a 8-8 after 8 ends in the championship match and then it was 13-13 after 13 ends as neither side was able to deliver a decisive end.

Eventually though, it was the home side who managed to drive home the advantage and were six shots ahead playing the final end which left Evans and Co. far too much to do.

In the Veterans Singles, Steven Payze fell one match short of completing a dream run as he lost 21-15 to Danie Schoeman.

Payze was on the green virtually throughout the final day - which began at 07:00 - and probably felt the strain as the action intensified. To his credit, Payze beat Gianni Gatti after 38 ends in the first game up.

Open Singles

Bronze: Josh Turner (Linden, JBA)

Bronze: Shaun Thomas (Morningside CC, JBA)

Silver: Paul White (Westville, Port Natal)

Gold: Wayne Roberts (Hillcrest, Port Natal)

Senior Singles

Bronze: Roy Turton (Brackenhurst - EKB)

Bronze: Antoney Stipanou (Bedfordview - JBA)

Silver: Steven Payze (PHSOB - BGN)

Gold: Danie Schoeman (Richards Bay - KZN)

Pairs

Bronze: Stoffel Lambrechts, Charles Stassen (Ceres - Bol)

Barry Minopetros, Robbie Robertson (Beaconsfield Park - NCB)

Silver: Otto Holicki, Warren Steyn (Linden, JBA)

Gold: Wilson Malobolo, Prince Neluonde (Bryanston Sports, JBA)

Fours

Bronze: PJ Barnard (Correctional Services)

Ray Turner (Randburg, JBA)

Silver: Jason Evans (Morningside CC, JBA)

Gold: Bedfordview JBA

Skip: Alan Gordon

Third: Gianni Gatti

Second: Gavin Erasmus

Lead: Brian Dail