14/09/2026
KSD Celebrates Outstanding 2026 Season at Annual Prize-Giving
KIMBERLEY – The Kimberley Sub District (KSD) celebrated another successful lawn bowls season on Friday evening when it hosted its annual workshop, Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 2026 prize-giving ceremony at Sol Plaatje West End Bowls Club.
The evening brought together players, clubs and officials to reflect on the past season, recognise outstanding achievements and celebrate the depth of talent within the Kimberley bowls community.
The prize-giving ceremony was the highlight of the evening, with players who excelled throughout the season receiving recognition for their performances across the various KSD competitions.
Van Niekerk and Mathewson claim top honours
Driaan van Niekerk claimed the prestigious Victor Ludorum title after an outstanding season. Van Niekerk accumulated an impressive 1 000 points to finish at the top of the men's standings.
He was closely followed by CP Mathewson, who finished second with 900 points, while David Paulse secured third place with 600 points.
In the women's category, Annelie Mathewson once again took home the Victrix Ludorum title after finishing the season on 900 points. Helena Janse claimed second place with 750 points, while Letticia Sterley finished third on 650 points.
The continued success of Van Niekerk and Annelie Mathewson highlights the consistency and competitive standards they have maintained throughout the KSD season.
Special awards recognise outstanding contributions
Several other prestigious awards were presented during the evening.
The Astoria Young Trophy for Top Ladies Club was awarded to Beaconsfield Park Bowling Green Club, recognising the club's strong performances in the women's competitions.
The Club Greenkeepers Award went to Sol Plaatje West End Bowling Club's Balan Moodaley for his contribution to maintaining the club's greens.
Beaconsfield Park Bowling Green Club also received the Tolmay Top Club Trophy, further underlining the club's impressive season across the KSD competitions.
The Berryl Benn Progress Floating Trophy for Most Improved Player was awarded to Jayden du Plessis, recognising his development and progress throughout the season.
One of the evening's most notable awards was the Tolmay Achievers Trophy, presented to CP Mathewson for outstanding performances at KSD, Northern Cape Bowls (NCB), Bowls South Africa (BSA) and international level.
The award was a fitting recognition of what has been an exceptional year for Mathewson. He won the BSA Masters and also produced a strong performance at the World Bowls Indoor Championship in Australia, where he finished among the top eight players in the world.
KSD season produces strong competition
The KSD tournament results once again demonstrated the depth and competitiveness of lawn bowls in Kimberley, with several clubs and players featuring prominently across the various disciplines.
In the Ladies Singles, Annelie Mathewson claimed the title, with Helena Janse finishing runner-up and Adi Koekemoer taking third place.
The Men's Singles title went to Driaan van Niekerk, followed by Johan Botes in second and Jobo de Villiers in third.
In the Ladies Pairs, Geraldine Moodaley and Michelle van Zyl emerged victorious. Rene van Niekerk and Direlda de Klerk finished runners-up, while Charmaine Roelofse and Letticia Sterley took third place.
The Men's Pairs title was won by CP Mathewson and David Paulse. Driaan van Niekerk and Jobo de Villiers finished runners-up, with Clint Kneen and Kieran Kelly taking third.
In the Mixed Pairs, CP and Annelie Mathewson combined successfully to claim the title. Driaan van Niekerk and Letticia Sterley were runners-up, while Freddie du Plessis and Helena Janse finished third.
The Mixed Trips competition was won by Marco Geel, Adi Koekemoer and Gerrit Gagiano. David Paulse, Charl Labuschagne and Rene van Niekerk finished runners-up, with Justin Griffith, Lee Murray and Elmarie Anderson taking third.
In the Ladies Fours, Annelie Mathewson, Rene van Niekerk, Helena Janse and Cherese Labuschagne claimed the championship. Geraldine Moodaley, Raff Mathews, Mariette du Plessis and Michelle van Zyl finished runners-up, while Adi Koekemoer, Charmaine Roelofse, Lizette de Reuck and Letticia Sterley took third.
The Men's Fours title went to CP Mathewson, David Paulse, Scotty Elliot and Kieran Kelly. Lappies Labuschagne, Scotty Andrews, Charl Labuschagne and Marinus Vertue finished runners-up, while Marco Geel, Driaan van Niekerk, Gerrit Gagiano and JP Marais claimed third.
Midweek competitions
The KSD midweek competitions also produced some entertaining and competitive bowls.
In the Midweek Mixed Pairs, Abe Williams and Jacoba de Witt claimed the title, with Fritz van Dyk and Gail van Dyk finishing runners-up.
The Midweek Mixed Trips title went to Lappies Labuschagne, Raff Mathews and Andre de Witt. Rudi Witteveen, Frances Witteveen and John Vertue finished runners-up.
Looking ahead
The annual gathering provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the players who stood out during the season, but also to acknowledge the clubs, volunteers, greenkeepers and officials whose efforts contribute to the continued growth of lawn bowls in the Kimberley Sub District.
With another competitive season now behind them, KSD players and clubs can look forward to the challenges and opportunities of the new season.
The 2026 prize-giving once again demonstrated the strength and depth of bowls in Kimberley, with established champions continuing to excel while emerging players make their mark.
As the curtain falls on another successful season, the KSD wishes all players and clubs well for the season ahead.
Good bowling to everyone for the new season!
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