Umhlali Country Club bowlers Linda Tolmay and Jill Hackland claimed an historic double title at the prestigious Port Natal Masters last weekend.

They became the first members of the same team since Parkhill Bowling Club in 2014 to claim both the Ladies’ Open and Vets Masters titles during the competition at the Umhlanga Bowling Club.

To get to the Ladies’ Open, Linda battled through a tough qualification process, winning four of her five preliminary matches. In the main event, she showed nerves of steel to win three of her five section games and set up a final against Susan Nel, a former international bowler from Amanzimtoti Bowling Club. Linda edged the thrilling final 21-18 to claim her first title at the Port Natal Masters.

“Open Masters were very challenging; it is a lot of concentration,” said Linda.

“To win a tournament like this is the best feeling on earth. With every bowl I picked up, I told myself: ‘I can do this. Nothing can stop you if you’ve got a positive mind.'”

Local bowling legend Jill bowed out in style as she added another accolade to her illustrious career by winning her second Port Natal Ladies’ Vets Masters title. The former Protea bowler dominated her section with four wins from five games before defeating Lorna Drake of Durban Collegians Bowling Club 21-12 in the final.

In a surprise announcement during the prize-giving ceremony, Jill revealed her retirement from Masters competition.

“I was delighted to win the gold again in the Vets and it’s fantastic for UCC to clinch both golds,” she said. “I’ve played Open for many years and won a couple of titles. It was great to go out on a high.”

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