2019 Australian Under-18 Championships: Future stars set for Bendigo
The Australian Under-18 Championships is unquestionably one of the most tantalising events on the Bowls Australia (BA) calendar, as we are treated to a first-hand display of the abundance of talent coming through the junior tanks.
These prestigious championships see only the very best of the best selected to compete on the national stage, and over the years, have seen past and present BCiB Australian Jackaroos, World Champions, Commonwealth Games gold medallists and National Coaches complete their ‘apprenticeships’ at this very event.
The honour roll proudly features some of the sport’s household names, including Lynsey Clarke, Aron Sherriff, Cameron Curtis, Kelsey Cottrell, Natasha Scott, Aaron Teys, Ellen Ryan, Chloe Stewart and Kristina Krstic, all of whom have stood in the shoes of this year’s competitors, ready to make a mark in the sport of bowls.
Not every competitor will return home from this event with a gold medal, but every single one should be proud of their selection and contribution, as new friendships and rivalries will be made on the green but last a lifetime off it.
Victoria was victorious during the last staging of the event, claiming the Robert Middleton Overall Trophy, lead by dominant singles performances from Jarryd Davies and Kira Bourke, with the latter now a Queenslander following a family relocation. Victoria also claimed the Boys’ Overall Trophy, leaving Queensland to collect the Girls’ Overall Trophy.
On their home greens, Victoria will be eager to solidify their standing at the top of the table, so keep your eyes on the promising Jarryd Davies in the singles, but he’ll face stiff competition from the likes of Queensland’s Jake Rynne and Western Australia’s Jack East.
In the Girls’ event, Victorian-turned-Queenslander Kira Bourke will be difficult to stop in her attempt at a three-peat, but with just three sectional rounds, there’s little room for error.
Regardless of results this week, all players will be better for the experience and we’ll undoubtedly look back in future years and recall with fondness how some of the sport’s stars were formed at the 2019 Australian Under-18 Championships.
2019 Australian Under-18 Championships
October 2-4
Bendigo Bowls Club, Victoria
(Live streaming on final day)
See below for selected Boys and Girls teams:
