Celebrating their 2026 women’s league win Linda Ellis, Helen Smidt, Cheryl Mostert, Leonie Koedyk, Minnette Hatton-Jones, Ina Beavon, Monique Lott and Lisa Nicholas are the toast of Umhlanga Club. Photo: Supplied
The final weekend of the 2026 PNB league season delivered everything lawn bowls supporters could have wished for, presenting championship deciders, promotion drama and history-making performances.
No club had more reason to celebrate than Umhlanga Bowling Club. Their women entered the decisive First Division clash against defending champions Amanzimtoti Bowling Club with a slender half-point advantage, knowing the winner would lift the league trophy.
Rising magnificently to the occasion, Umhlanga produced a commanding display to secure an 11-point victory and claim the 2026 First Division title. The achievement was made even more remarkable by the fact that the club earned promotion from the Second Division only last season.
Winning the premier league in their first year among the top clubs is a feat that will be remembered as one of the district's finest success stories.
