The inaugural Henselite PREMIER League, inspired by the popular Australian Bowls Premier League, marked a major moment for lawn bowls in SA.

This exciting new tournament offered fast-paced action, community spirit and top-class bowls, and delivered on every promise.

The event took place from December 5 to December 7 at the Ridge Park Sports Club in Towerby, Johannesburg south.

More than 70 elite teams competed in the dynamic, quick-fire format that has changed the face of international lawn bowls. Spectators were treated to world-class talent, with big names, such as Colleen Picketh, Wayne Rittmuller and Jason Evans, taking part.

They were joined by current and former Proteas players, players from neighbouring countries, district and ex-district competitors and strong non-district players. Crowds watched SA’s finest go head-to-head in a format built for excitement and spectator enjoyment.

The tournament offered an impressive prize pool of R120 000, including a massive R60 000 for the winning team.

The innovative auction system grouped teams and allowed bidders to back their favourites, creating lively line-ups and adding another fun layer of competition for players and fans.

The event was supported by key sponsors: Tshepang Electrical, City Lighting, Hennie Alberts Storage and Delport Gearbox. Live broadcasts by 91.9 FM, with a full outside broadcasting van on site, ensured that the energy and action reached audiences far beyond the venue.

The managing director of Greig Events, Michelle Greig, praised the response from the bowls community.

“We’ve had so many messages and calls congratulating us on the tournament,” she said.

“The feedback means the world to us and reminds us why we do what we do. Thank you for the incredible support.”

Players and spectators shared their appreciation, too. One message read: “Congrats, please make this an annual tournament. Don’t change a thing. It is the best tournament I have ever attended. I am sorry I didn’t enter.”

Another supporter simply said: “Well done on the best tournament ever.”

The Henselite PREMIER League also carried a strong message of community upliftment: “We are proud to support the Living Waters of Hope, an impactful initiative and project personally managed by Megan Yorke,” Greig said.

The organisation helps GBV victims and their families in Johannesburg south. Under Yorke’s leadership, the Living Waters of Hope recently acquired a block of flats to provide safe, refurbished accommodation. A significant portion of the tournament’s proceeds will go directly to this important cause.

In addition, ongoing investment from Peter Muller continues to bring new opportunities to the club and locals, helping the event leave a lasting legacy beyond the bowling greens.

Tournament results

Bad weather prevented the final from being played, so the winners were decided based on the best scores and points from the two sections.

• Cup winners: Talk to Me

Josh Turner, Gian Scariola, Shaun Thomas – R60 000;

• Runners-up – Hot Flocking Mess

Jenny Jones, Michelle Greig, Marizelle Roussouw – R24 000;

• Plate winner – Jagermasters

Dean Moodley, Alan du Toit, Josh Swart;

• Plate runners-up -Thabelo Muvhango, Morgan Muvhango, Brendan Benjamin,

• Bronze cup – Diplassi

Regent Reid, Peo Ramodise, Jasper van der Westhuizen;

• Bronze cup – The Rollers

Neil Shluter, Nicole Erwee, Robert McIntyre.

The first Henselite PREMIER League has set a high standard, one that bowlers and fans hope will return every year.