Exciting Conclusion to Kimberley Men’s and Women’s Pairs Tournaments
The 2025/26 Kimberley Men’s and Women’s Pairs tournaments came to a thrilling close this past weekend, delivering intense competition and unforgettable moments. Players not only faced off against each other but also battled the unpredictable weather, which threatened to disrupt the event.
Thankfully, the skies cooperated just long enough for a full schedule of sectional rounds and play-offs at two key venues: Sol Plaatje West End and Beaconsfield Park. These locations provided the perfect backdrop for some of the most exciting matches of the season.
Men’s Pairs: A Dominant Performance
At Sol Plaatje West End, the Men’s Pairs tournament was a showcase of top-tier skill and strategy. CP Mathewson and David Paulse stood out as the clear favorites, dropping only a single sectional game throughout the competition. Their consistency carried over into the semi-finals, where they defeated Rudi Witteveen and Johan Botes. In the other semi-final, Driaan van Niekerk and Jobo de Villiers triumphed over Clint Kneen and Kieran Kelly.
The final between Mathewson and Paulse was a masterclass in execution, as they secured the Men’s Pairs trophy for the 2025/26 season. For third place, Clint Kneen and Kieran Kelly delivered a strong performance, while Rudi Witteveen and Johan Botes finished in fourth. Greg Bowles and Neville Ridgard claimed fifth, and Roy and Abe Williams took sixth. All these teams will now represent Kimberley at the upcoming Northern Cape Pairs tournament.
Women’s Pairs: A Nail-Biting Final
Meanwhile, at Beaconsfield Park, the Women’s Pairs final was one of the most dramatic matches of the weekend. Geraldine Moodaley and Michelle van Zyl faced off against Rene van Niekerk and Direlda de Klerk in a fiercely contested battle. The match reached its climax in the final end, where Van Niekerk and De Klerk managed to force an extra frame with a stunning four on the last regular roll. However, Moodaley and Van Zyl showed remarkable composure to clinch the championship.
Charmaine Roelofse and Letticia Sterley secured third place, while Adi Koekemoer and Helena Janse finished in fourth. All four pairs will proudly represent Kimberley at the Northern Cape Pairs later this month.
Recognition for Organizers and Volunteers
Organisers expressed their gratitude to the hosting clubs for providing excellent facilities and hospitality throughout the events. They also thanked the competition secretaries and volunteers for their invaluable contributions, which ensured that this year’s tournaments were a resounding success.