PNB selectors back depth and discipline as 2026 district campaign approaches

As the PNB ladies' district sides prepare for the quadrangular tournament on 24 and 25 January 2026, leading up to the Inter-District from 9 to 13 March, the five lady selectors - Stella Tweedie (convenor), Maria Dreyer, Shelly Gerber, Delysia Mitchley and Cynthia van der Merwe reflect on the selection of the sides for 2026.

- CHERYL WATERMAN

Selecting district sides to represent Port Natal Bowls is never a simple task, and according to the selectors, it involves far more than tallying up competition results. While performance on the green remains the backbone of selection, the process behind assembling strong, cohesive teams is thoughtful, strategic and grounded in experience.

The starting point, they explain, is a thorough analysis of performances throughout the previous season and the identification of a 40-member squad who attend structured squad practices. Every session is used to assess successful delivery, temperament, communication and the ability to adapt under pressure. This squad system ensures players are evaluated over time rather than on isolated brilliance.