Ferns joins elite company with Singles win

Brendan Ferns etched his name into the record books on Sunday as he claimed the Bowls South Africa Men’s Open Singles title in a gripping showdown against Wayne Perry at Westview Bowling Club. 

The final, played in blustery conditions in Port Elizabeth, saw both players locked in a tense race to 21 shots, with the scores remaining neck-and-neck in the early stages.

Perry, representing Wingate Park Country Club, matched Ferns for much of the match with precision draw shots and measured composure. But as the game entered its crucial phases, Ferns — also playing out of Wingate Park Country Club — found another gear. A string of telling shots allowed him to build a steady lead, applying scoreboard pressure that ultimately proved too much for White to overcome.

Ferns sealed the victory 21–16, earning not only the coveted singles crown but also a berth in the prestigious World Champion of Champions event set to be played later this year in Sydney.

In the fours final, Paul White's Westville's team let an early 8–0 lead slip against the powerhouse quartet led by fellow Gold Squad member Niksa Benguric. Backed by the formidable trio of Driaan van Niekerk, Wayne Perry, and CP Mathewson, Benguric’s side stormed back with clinical shot-making and relentless pressure to claim a resounding 24-14 win.

The Pairs final saw Knysna Bowling Club shine brightly as Billy Radloff and John Rimbault delivered a dominant performance. Their aggressive, front-foot style proved too much for Logan Sobramony and Mike Underwood, who struggled to keep pace. 

Radloff and Rimbault surged to a convincing victory, sealing a proud moment for the coastal club who celebrates their centenary this year.

In the Veterans final, it was Otto Holicki who prevailed over Arnie Muscat after a soaring out to an initial lead that he never let go of.

Fours

Gold Benguric, Nikša / Mathewson, Charles / Perry, Wayne / v Niekerk, Driaan (Bowls Gauteng North / Wingate Park)

Silver White, Paul / Bashford, Doug / Muscat, A / Boulle, Roger (Port Natal Bowls / Westville)

Open Singles

Gold Ferns, Brendan (Bowls Gauteng North / Wingate Park)

Silver Perry, Wayne (Bowls Gauteng North / Wingate Park)

Pairs

Gold Radloff, Billy / Rimbault, John (Eden Bowls / Knysna)

Silver Underwood, Mike / Subramony, Logan (Border Bowls / Comrades)

Veteran Singles

Gold Holicki, Otto (Johannesburg Country Club JBA)

Silver Muscat, Arnie (Port Natal Bowls / Westville)