KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Bowling Club is steadily building the future of the sport from the ground up, with a focused youth development drive that is beginning to show real momentum across the Garden Route.

What started as an introduction to the game for local school learners has quickly evolved into structured competition, coaching, and growing interest among young players who are now taking to the greens with confidence and skill beyond their years.

Last year, the club's youth programme introduced Knysna High School to the Business League format, where the school made an immediate impact by going on to win the competition with the Tuskies team.

Building on that success, an interschools tournament was launched this year, bringing Knysna High School and Wittedrift High School head to head in a competitive encounter.

The initiative was co-ordinated by Leigh Mortimer and Willie Lane, with strong support from coaching staff at both Knysna Bowling Club and Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club, who have played a key role in nurturing the youngsters' technique and understanding of the game.

Despite being relatively new to competitive bowls, the learners have already impressed coaches and spectators.

"The styles are out of this world," was the sentiment echoed around the greens as the young bowlers demonstrated growing confidence with every end played.

On the day, the matches were closely contested, but Knysna High School ultimately proved too strong, using what was described as 'effective home green advantage' to secure victory across all three games, finishing 32-23 overall.

While the result was important, organisers say the real success lies in participation, development and exposure - giving young players from different schools the chance to experience structured sport in a supportive environment.

Attention now turns to a return fixture, with a date still to be confirmed.

The Knysna Bowling Club encourages more schools to get involved. Schools interested in participating in youth bowls can contact Leigh Mortimer at Knysna Bowling Club on 063 016 5508 or Willie Lane at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club on 060 526 6156.

Displaying their bowling skills, from left: Rushaan Tait, Ryan Sabbat, David Kruger, Phelo Mokwatlo, Claire Basson and Indiphile Ngqukuva. Photo: Hugo Redelinghuys

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