HomeSportLocals bowl over competition at state event

Locals bowl over competition at state event

junior bowls competition
Measuring takes place on competition day at Burnett Bowls Club. Photo: Bowls Queensland, Sue Busch.

Local juniors have bowled over the competition in the week-long Bowls Queensland Junior State Championships, snagging one gold and two bronze medals at the recent event.

Bundaberg’s Jamieson Morgan received gold in the Under 15 Pairs and Phoebe Russell received bronze in the Under 15 Pairs as well as the Under 15 Girls Singles.

The duo were two of ten local players to take to the greens across the six-day competition, which saw more than 90 young bowlers from around the state battle it out at the Burnett Bowls Club.

The state championships event is a prestigious annual competition held in a different region each year where bowlers compete in singles, pairs, triples and fours categories.

junior bowls competition
Gold Open Pairs U15 Jamieson Morgan (Burnett) and Latrell Lawton (Charleville) Photo: Bowls Queensland, Sue Busch

Burnett Bowls Club District Junior Development Officer Des Kemp said despite some rain at the beginning of the week, the competition was enjoyed by all.

“It was a great turnout,” he said.

“The rain didn’t help us out in the first few days but the juniors played through it and, in fact, I think they loved playing out in the weather.

“The general feedback from the parents was that they absolutely enjoyed the hospitality, the playing surfaces were above standard and they were rapt with everything.”

Des said hosting the competition locally was a fantastic opportunity for players and the region as a whole.

“It was beneficial for our players because they are used to the greens here,” he said.

“We had six newbies this year and it was a great introduction for them, to play and then be able to go to their own beds and feel comfortable and refreshed the next day.

“It was also great for the community because we had about 500 people, including bowlers and their families, who travelled to the region and seem keen to come back again.”

junior bowls competition
Bronze Open Pairs U15 L-R: Phoebe Russell (Burnett) and Mia Haylock (Roma). Photo: Bowls Queensland, Sue Busch

Des said it was also a good chance for the local juniors to upskill and learn what it takes to play against the best.

“They learn where they need to be, competitive-wise, from the players in the bigger clubs,” he said.

“Those players have a lot of experience that they can pass on to our juniors so they know what they need to achieve in 12 months time to be even more competitive.”

The Bowls Queensland Junior State Championships is a Bowls Queensland event, with Bundaberg Regional Council providing $5000 in funding.

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