SUSAN Nel comments on the weight of the skip’s responsibility.

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ON SATURDAY, 14 November, Port Natal Bowls’ district sides face NIBA in a test of whether the selectors have successfully blended technical skill, tactical intelligence, mental resilience and team chemistry into winning combinations.

But what separates a good fours team from a championship-winning one? We challenged the four skips of the PNB Open sides to explore the demands of leading four individual talents towards a common goal, where confidence, sound decisions and team unity can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Drawing on her international experience, Susan Nel highlighted the skip’s responsibility to lead with composure and conviction.

A skip must hold the team together, offering support and ensuring every bowler feels valued and confident in their abilities. Remaining calm under pressure is essential, as self-belief can determine the outcome of a match.

Nel recalled a defining moment while representing South Africa at the Commonwealth Games against Malaysia.

With South Africa trailing and Malaysia holding shot, Nel was called upon to draw. Her bowl removed the opposition’s shot bowl, allowing South Africa to score five shots and take the lead. The moment demonstrated how one confident decision can change a game.

For Glenda Matthews, team chemistry is fundamental to success. Harmony, trust and mutual respect allow each bowler to understand their role and feel valued.

GLENDA Matthews on the chemistry behind success.

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She believes a calm, consistent lead lays the foundation, while the second builds the head through accurate drawing and controlled running shots. The third must combine strategic thinking, communication and precise measuring.

As a skip, Matthews balances risk against reward when deciding which shots to call and when playing her own bowls.

Trust develops when players listen to differing opinions, value contributions and work towards a shared goal rather than imposing their decisions. Acceptance, flexibility and unity, both on and off the green, allow individual strengths to flourish.

Paul White focused on the tactical thinking behind championship-winning shots. The lead generally draws to build a favourable head, while the second may be called upon to place a defensive bowl behind the head, guarding against an opposition running shot that could move the jack.

PAUL White on reading the head and choosing the right shot.

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The third needs versatility, combining drawing ability with weighted shots to move the jack, remove opposition bowls or disturb a cluster.

Known for his damaging running shots, White revealed his favourite scenario: with a clear path to the jack and his team’s bowls clustered behind it, he will attempt a weighted shot to trail the jack into that cluster, transforming a promising head into a winning position.

For Wayne Roberts, representing PNB is a privilege, made even more rewarding when the team gels. He believes the greatest test comes when games tighten and pressure mounts, demanding mutual support and trust in each player’s ability.

Roberts sees the NIBA challenge as preparation for the BSA Inter-district, where he expects fierce competition. While PNB particularly relishes beating JBA, he acknowledges the strength of every opponent.

Confident that his team can beat any district and win gold, Roberts hopes to turn district pride, unity and belief into a championship-winning performance.

Ultimately, these skips agree that success requires more than individual brilliance. Tactical judgement, trust, composure and four bowlers working as one will be vital when PNB takes on NIBA.

WAYNE Roberts comments on district pride on the road to the BSA Inter-districts.

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