The Nationals: Home-state claims top honours as U18 event makes successful return
After three long years, it an Australian Under-18 Championships has finally been completed, with a great day of play at Broadbeach to round things out on Saturday.
Boys singles, boys fours, girls pairs and girls triples formats were in action on the second day of play.
Players battled through difficult conditions throughout the day, with the last of the finals finishing in heavy rain to add to the drama.
Queensland took out overall honours with strong performances from both girls and boys teams, with their girls side taking out their respective competition.
Tasmania claimed victory in the boys section, having collected two silver medals and a gold over the two days.
Boys singles
Joey Clarke continued his Gold Coast dominance in the boys singles, claiming a sensational 21-3 victory over Tasmania’s Bailey Bellchambers.
Clarke maintained his strong Broadbeach form after claiming the under-18 boys’ singles crown at the 2021 and 2022 Australian Opens.
Clarke flew out of the blocks, scoring the first 16 shots of the match.
“The start is always important in a final. I’m happy that I continued the rest of the game with the same intensity,” he said after his victory on Bowls Australia’s Rinkside Live.
“I love Broadbeach, there’s nothing like playing here, it’s awesome.”
With his junior career nearing a close, Clarke said he hopes to continue developing, with a lofty goal to achieve in years to come.
“I’d love to play for the Jackaroos. It’d be awesome one day,” he said.
South Australia’s Corey Hicks took out the bronze medal.
Girls pairs
Queensland’s Stella Palmer collected her second gold medal of the weekend, teaming up with Chloe Runge to take out the girls pairs.
It was a hard fought contest against South Australia’s Anda Panchawat and Kate Argent-Bowden, with scores level with just three ends to play.
However it was the Queenslander’s who were able to battle through heavy rain to take the victory.
Victoria’s Emilee Davies and Maya Rees took bronze, representing a Composite team.
Girls Triples
It was an all Queensland affair in the girls triples final, with Queensland taking on a Composite side of players from their own state.
With a point to prove, the Composite team of Holly Anderson, Sophie Allan & Kiera Powell that came out on top by four shots.
NSW bested Tasmania to claim the bronze medal.
Boys Fours
With a vocal crowd cheering them on rinkside, Tasmania was successful in winning gold in the boys fours.
The Tassie team worked over Western Australia 17-7, courtesy of Oliver Morrison, Jonty Hayes, Lachlan Thurley and Codi Marshall.
Victoria collected the bronze medal.
