Stage set for Women’s Nationals showdown

All roads lead to Durbanville Bowling Club on Saturday for the finals of the 2024 BSA Women’s Nationals.

It was case of heartbreak for the host club as both pairs sides were knocked out of the competition at the semi final stage.

Heather Pembroke and Thabelo Muvhango proved to be far too strong for Maggie van Zyl and Debbie Phillips. They won the contest 19-7 which backed up their 22-7 win over the Swellendam combination of Olivier and De Jager.

They will be strong contenders for the title but must get past Esme Kruger and Lara York if they want to have their name etched onto the trophy.

The Hartenbos pair were in fine form as the beat The Woods 20-7 in the last eight before a commanding 29-14 win against Lydia Maritz and Noeleen Hogan.

The final promises to provide fireworks.

The Open Singles final features two Proteas - one current and one former - as Anneke Scheepers faces off against Sylvia Burns.

Scheepers was forced to beat pairs teammate Megan Ferreira (21-11) in the last eight. The Goodwood BC star then powered home against Michelle Gerber (Hillcrest) to win 21-15.

That left her waiting on which Mowbray bowler she would face in the finale.

In the end, it was the experienced Burns who advanced as she beat Elma Louw 21-13 in the final session of play on Friday.

The fours quartet led by Tracy Meyeridricks is also waiting on their opponents.

They managed to brush aside the challenge of the Western Suburbs foursome led by Di Ahrens. In the end, Meyeridricks’ side sealed their place in the final with a 23-16 win.

Due to the complexity of the event, the semi final of the fours will only be played on Saturday morning as Esmé Kruger’s Hartenbos side goes head to head against Heather Pembroke’s side, who are playing out of Ferndale.

Veteran Singles last four

LIVE STREAMING UPDATE

Only one fours semi final was played on Friday with Esme Murphy and Heather Pembroke's team both in the fours and pairs contention.

On Saturday, the fours semi final will start at 07:30 and and will be live streamed. Following that the Veterans Singles semi-final will be played at 09:30.

The pairs final is due to be live streamed from 11:00 and the other finals to be played at 14:00.