Randburg Bowls Club has recorded the most successful South African Open National Bowls Championships in its 50-year history, securing both a gold and bronze medal at the prestigious tournament.

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The tournament, which ran from May16 to 25, featured clubs across Bowls Gauteng North District, with matches hosted at clubs throughout northern Gauteng.
The standout achievement for Randburg came in the pairs competition, where Bobby Donnelly and Rheece Nelson delivered an exceptional performance under pressure. After an exhausting weekend, which included three matches on Saturday, the duo faced the formidable pairing of Brendan Ferns and André Rousseau, of Wingate (Pretoria), in the final. Showing remarkable composure, skill, and teamwork, Donnelly and Nelson secured a convincing 20–12 victory to bring home gold in a high-quality final.

Earlier in the tournament, Randburg also impressed in the fours discipline, where Donnelly, Neil Burkett, David Smith, and Nelson progressed through a tough field that included several South African internationals. The team reached the semi-finals before narrowly losing to Beaconsfield (Northern Cape), earning a well-deserved bronze medal.

The success reflects a powerful blend of experience and youth. Donnelly, a multiple Commonwealth Games gold medallist with hundreds of caps for South Africa, and Burkett, a legend of the game with an illustrious international career, provided leadership and stability. They were strongly supported by David Smith, returning to competitive bowls after a lengthy break, and rising star Rheece Nelson (20), who has already represented his province across multiple age groups, as well as at the open level.

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Reflecting on the achievement, Donnelly said he is extremely proud of the boys, and how they stuck to the task at hand. “Even when it was tough, we came together and kept pushing to achieve these results.”

Nelson added that the team spirit was outstanding, and the experience and leadership from Donnelly and Burkett were invaluable.

Randburg Bowls Club president Jason O’Connell praised the historic performance. “Wow, what an incredible week. This is the first time in the club’s history that we have won two medals at the SA Open – and our first gold. We are immensely proud of this outstanding team.”

The club’s double-medal success firmly places the Boskruin-based club among the country’s top performers and highlights an exciting future built on both seasoned champions and emerging talent.

Randburg Bowls Club welcomes any aspiring or experienced bowlers, and has an active coaching setup, ensuring that the club will be producing champions for many years to come.

Enquiries: info@randburgbowls.org.za or 082 308 8471.

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