“Mr Bowls” graduates to the big time

Thomas with past and present Proteas at the recent JBA Masters.

Shaun Thomas has been knocking on the door and it has finally opened for his debut on the international stage.

Few can match Shaun Thomas for passion about the sport of bowls.

And over the past few seasons, few - if any - have been able to match his credentials on the green.

“Mr Bowls” eats, breathes and sleeps bowls. His enthusiasm has only been matched by his determination and over the past few seasons, he has been determined to achieve the highest honours.

His day has come following his inclusion in the South African team to play in September’s African States Tournament. It is the culmination of his bowling dreams come true and few could argue with his inclusion.

Thomas defeated Jason Evans to win the SA National Singles in 2022. It was a performance that put the smooth left-hander firmly on track to knock down the door to national selection.

With many talented players in the mix, Thomas though was forced to bide his time. Not that he wasted a minute as he went out accumulating medal after medal. In 2024, he earned a bronze in the SA Singles at Bedfordview Bowling Club which also saw him claim silver in the Fours.

In fact, 2024 has seen him add a bronze in the JBA Singles, a bronze in the Fours and another gold, this time in the Pro10 Pairs.

Those accolades served to bookend his 2023 JBA Masters bronze medal performance.

In the same year, he banked a silver in the JBA Men’s Pairs which he backed up with the same result this year.

During the recent JBA Masters, incoming BSA president David Hamer presented Thomas with his blazer much to the delight of Thomas and those in attendance.

SA legend Gerry Baker adds: “It’s been a long time coming for Shaun. I’m really proud of him for always doing everything he can to make his dreams come true.

“He’s a great bowler - just look at his results over the past few seasons - and of course, he’s a top ambassador for AERO bowls. Over and above, he’s a good guy and richly deserves his opportunity. I’ll be watching with interest how he goes at the African States as he looks to make the most of this opportunity.”

Thomas joins Wayne Roberts, Niksa Benguric, CP Mathewson (all Team AERO players) and John Molupi in the SA Men’s side for the African States.

The tournament in Botswana will be played from 23-26 September in Orapa.