The Bowler - Issue 2477 - March Edition

This edition of The Bowler highlights exactly what makes our sport so special — from elite competition through to grassroots participation, and the people who give so much to ensure our sport continues to thrive.

The recent Prestige Medley once again showcased the outstanding talent across both our metropolitan and regional areas. It was particularly encouraging to see the event return to country venues, reinforcing the importance of regional bowls and the role it plays in the fabric of our sport. Congratulations to all players, officials and host clubs who contributed to another successful championship.

Equally impressive is the continued growth of our pathway programs, particularly at the junior level. The expansion of the Inter School Challenge and the emergence of young athletes across the state is a strong indicator that the future of bowls in South Australia is in very capable hands. These programs are critical in ensuring we continue to build participation and provide clear development opportunities from entry-level through to elite competition.

As we approach the pointy end of the season, I encourage all members and supporters to get along and experience the very best of our sport at Bowls SA State Finals Week, taking place from 13–17 April at Club Holdfast. Finals Week is a fantastic opportunity to witness high-quality competition, support your fellow bowlers, and celebrate the culmination of a great season. I encourage everyone to get on down to Club Holdfast and be part of the action.

We also take great pride in recognising the achievements of our members, whether it be club champions, pennant winners, or individuals who have dedicated a lifetime of service to the game. Stories such as Clarrie Traeger’s remarkable 100-year milestone are a powerful reminder of the lifelong connections and community that bowls provides.

As we near the end of the season, I encourage all clubs and members to take the time to nominate individuals and clubs for the upcoming Bowls SA Awards Night. These awards are an important opportunity to celebrate those who go above and beyond for our sport.

Importantly, Bowls SA continues to focus on strengthening the game for the future. This includes ongoing work in participation growth, club sustainability, and the continued development of our competitions and pathways. The collaboration across our associations, clubs and volunteers remains vital in ensuring we are well positioned for the years ahead.

I wish everyone the very best for the remainder of the season and look forward to seeing many of you around the greens — particularly at Finals Week.

FAREWELL TO LUCY TILLER

Bowls SA will be saying a heartfelt goodbye to our wonderful team member, Lucy Tiller, as she embarks on an exciting new journey in the corporate world, where she’ll be taking on a Marketing role in May.

Lucy has been such a key player in shaping Bowls SA into what it is today. Her energy, creativity, and professionalism have touched every project she’s been a part of. Throughout her time with us, and within her current role, she’s been a driving force behind our brand, communications, and digital presence.

Thanks to Lucy, our marketing and communications have reached new heights, and we’re now better connected with clubs, members, and stakeholders.

Lucy has also played a crucial role in enhancing our commercial partnerships, working closely with stakeholders to ensure their connections with Bowls SA are genuine and meaningful. Her unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking has truly set her apart.

Lucy is someone we’ll always remember for her bright spirit, strong work ethic, and genuine love for the bowls community. She’s built amazing relationships across the sport and has constantly gone above and beyond to support clubs, players, and her colleagues.

While it’s bittersweet to see her leave, we couldn’t be prouder of her as she takes this next big step in her career. They are incredibly lucky to have such a talented marketing professional on its team, and we’re sure she’ll do fantastic things there.

From all of us at Bowls SA, board members, staff, and the entire bowls community, we want to extend our deepest thanks to Lucy for her outstanding contributions. We wish her all the success and happiness in the future.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across marketing, sponsorship, content creation, and events, helping grow the sport and strengthen our community.

Key highlights:

* Drive brand, content & digital engagement

* commercial partnerships and revenue growth

* Lead delivery of Awards Night & Corporate Sponsors Day

* Work in a passionate, community-focused sporting organisation

Click here to view the full advertisement and apply.

2025-26 PRESTIGE MEDLEY CHAMPIONS

CROWNED

The 2025–26 Prestige Medley tournament has concluded, with champions crowned after another thrilling competition. Featuring 216 bowlers across the 12 men’s and women’s teams representing their respective regions, the event once again highlighted the depth of talent and strong spirit of the game.

Women’s Competition – Encounter Bay Bowling Club

The women’s event saw outstanding performances from Region 8 Lower North and Region 4 North Eastern, with both teams progressing through their respective sections undefeated. Region 8’s cam paign included two nail-biting one-shot victories over Region 11 Metro South and Region 12 Metro West, showcasing their resilience under pressure. In contrast, Region 4 displayed consistent domi nance throughout their section.

In the gold medal match, Region 4 delivered a strong all-round performance, winning both the fours and triples disciplines, while narrowly going down by one shot in the pairs. Their combined efforts secured a 52–43 victory, marking a historic achievement as the first country team in five years to claim the title—and their first-ever Prestige Med ley win.

Men’s Competition – Victor Harbor Bowling Club

The men’s competition featured a tightly contested sectional stage. In Section 1, Region 8 and Region 11 both finished with four wins and 44 points, with

Region 8 advancing to the final thanks to a superior shot difference of 36 compared to 31.

In Section 2, Region 9 Metro North set the pace early, going through the rounds undefeated to book their place in the final.

In the grand final, Region 9 proved too strong for Region 8, securing the title with a 47–39 victory. Region 9 claimed wins in the fours and pairs, while narrowly dropping the triples by just one shot.

PRESTIGE MEDLEY WOMEN’S TEAM

PRESTIGE MEDLEY WOMEN’S TEAM

PRESTIGE MEDLEY MEN’S TEAM

PRESTIGE MEDLEY MEN’S TEAM

INTER SCHOOL CHALLENGE EXPANDS IN 2026 AS SA BOWLS TALENT SHINES

South Australia’s emerging lawn bowls talent was on full display at the 2026 Northern Inter School Challenge, with students delivering a day of high-quality competition at Playford Bowling Club.

This year’s event introduced a new format, splitting the competition into Northern and Southern divisions for the first time. The change was designed to make travel more manageable for schools and has already proven a positive step forward in growing participation across the state.

A total of 16 teams representing 11 schools took part, competing in a fast-paced triples format. Sectional matches were played over four ends, before the event culminated in a six-end playoff to determine final placings.

The gold medal match proved to be a thrilling contest, coming down to a tie-break after Berri Regional School staged a remarkable comeback, picking up five shots across the final two ends to level the scores. In a tense decider, Moonta Area School held their nerve to claim victory by a single shot, with the final score finishing 7–6 after seven ends.

Pathway to Nationals

The event also serves as a key selection opportunity, with School Sport SA and Bowls SA working together to identify a South Australian State School Team. Selected players will travel to Ocean Grove Bowling Club in Victoria to compete at the National Schools Bowls Championship, taking place from Sunday 6 September to Thursday 10 September, 2026.

Thanks to Our Community

Events like this are made possible through the support of venues, volunteers, and school communities. Playford Bowling Club once again provided an excellent host venue, supported by dedicated volunteers, coaches, and staff who continue to foster the growth of school bowls.

With strong participation and an evolving competition format, school lawn bowls in South Australia continues to build momentum for the future.

FROM SCHOOLYARDS TO STATE TEAMS: THE 42 YOUNG GUNS SHAPING SA’S BOWLS FUTURE

Author: Taylor Mason - The Advertiser

South Australia’s lawn bowls scene is thriving, and it’s not just the trophies piling up.

Across the state, kids and teenagers are delivering precise rolls, sharp draws, and matchwinning shots, all driven by a mix of skill, dedication, and pure love for the game.

From newcomers finding their footing on the greens to rising stars competing in state and national events, the next generation of SA bowlers is already making a serious impact.

Coaches said the depth of talent has never been stronger — and the stories behind it are just as compelling as the results.

Among these young athletes is one rising star whose focus, skill, and creativity have already set her apart on the green.

This Adelaide Bowling Club local shows that SA’s next generation of lawn bowlers is poised to make a mark both on and off the greens.

Anda Panchawat

Anda Panchawat is an Australian Open U18 singles champion with elite talent, drive and a fearless Premier League presence.

Age: 17

Home Green: Adelaide Bowling Club Association: Metropolitan Bowls Association Primary position and division: Second, Premier League

At just 17 Anda Panchawat is already playing with a level of composure and confidence that belies her age — and it’s exactly why she leads this list of South Australia’s best emerging lawn bowlers.

The Adelaide Bowling Club Premier League second has been on the green for just over five years but her rise through the ranks has been swift and decisive.

Introduced to bowls through her family, it didn’t take long for Panchawat to realise the sport was more than a casual pastime.

“Honestly, my first comp was just a fun little tournament and I remember winning chocolates and I was really proud of myself,” she said. “It just made me feel like, wow, I actually really enjoy this and maybe I could get a bit better if I stick with it.”

Stick with it she did — and the results followed.

Panchawat announced herself on the national stage by winning the Australian Open Under 18 singles before backing it up with the Under 18 National Singles title.

The Australian Open win carried extra significance. “It was my last ever Under 18 AO event, and (the year before) I came runner-up, so there was definitely a bit of pressure,” she said.

“To finally get the win was really special and definitely one of the biggest highlights of my bowls so far.”

This season marks her first in Premier League and her first year at Adelaide Bowling Club, where she has quickly found her feet among some of the state’s most experienced players.

“Every week I’m playing really strong and experienced players and it’s helped me improve heaps already,” she said.

“The support from my team has been amazing, and it’s definitely given me a lot of confidence.”

Panchawat at her home club, where the 17-year-old is already making waves at senior level.

Off the green, Panchawat balances elite sport with a hairdressing apprenticeship — a juggling act she admits can be demanding but one she embraces. “It’s a lot of time management and some long days, but it’s worth it,” she said.

“I’m really lucky to have supportive people around me who make it a lot easier.”

Mentally, she said bowls was as challenging as any elite sport.

“You’ve gotta stay patient, stay calm and really back yourself,” she said.

“It’s about resetting and not letting one bad moment ruin the whole game.”

Asked to sum herself up in three words, Panchawat doesn’t hesitate: “calm, confident, competitive”.

With her drive, mindset and proven ability on the biggest stages, she’s not just one to watch — she’s setting the standard for the next generation of South Aussie bowlers.

Erin Eckermann is cool under pressure and a fast learner who has already shone on the national school sports stage.

Age: 16

Home Green: Toorak Burnside Bowls Club Association: Metropolitan Bowls Association Primary Position and Division: Third, Div 7

Erin Eckermann discovered bowls through her school, having first been introduced to a gymbased, adapted version of the game in Year 7.

In just a year and a half, she has made a strong impression, finishing second in the inter-school competition, representing South Australia at the School Sports Australia Games in Queensland, and being named the best SA female player of the series.

Eckermann also reached the finals in her first year of pennants.

Off the green, she is a passionate actor and filmmaker, with a 2025 short film finalist entry in a national competition.

Calm, collected, and determined on the mat, Eckermann can play all shots as required and continues to develop under coaching at Toorak Burnside alongside teammate, Aleriya Muir.

Her journey is just one of 42 stories highlighting the strength, diversity and promise of South Australia’s next generation of lawn bowls talent.

Dylan Burke

Dylan Burke is a Premier League lead from Somerton learning fast in an elite environment — and bringing his rugby toughness to the green.

Age: 20

Home Green: Somerton Bowling Club Association: Metropolitan Bowls Association Primary position and division: Lead, Premier League

Relatively new to the sport but already making his mark, Dylan Burke has been playing lawn bowls for just four years after getting started through Night Owls and casual rolls with his dad.

His rise has been rapid, highlighted by winning a Premier League flag in his very first pennant season — a standout achievement for any young bowler.

A lead with a strong competitive edge (also honed through playing rugby), Burke is part of a formidable Somerton contingent, training and competing alongside some of the state’s most experienced players.

Surrounded by elite talent and with proven big-game credentials, he’s a junior athlete firmly worth watching.

Erin O’Malley

Erin O’Malley is a composed skip from Karoonda whose rapid rise includes a State Mixed Pairs grand final appearance.

Age: 21

Home Green: Karoonda & District Bowling Club Association: Lower Murray Bowling Association Primary position and division: Skip, Div 1 Open and Thursdays Women Only

Erin O’Malley has been immersed in bowls since the 2016–17 season, growing up around the club through a family deeply involved in the sport.

Her competitive journey truly began when numbers were short and she stepped in alongside her grandmother — a fill-in that quickly became a long-term commitment.

Now a Division 1 skip, O’Malley’s rapid progression was underlined by reaching the grand final of the State Mixed Pairs in the 2024–25 season.

Currently studying a double degree in Secondary Teaching and Arts at the University of Adelaide, O’Malley has burst onto the scene at state level and shapes as a strong prospect as she continues to gain experience at the top end of the game.

2026 Bowls SA Awards Night – Nominations Are Open

Friday, 29 May 2026 - Wolf Blass Event Centre, Morphetville Race Course

The 2026 Bowls SA Awards Night will be here before we know it — and now is the time to recognise the incredible people and clubs who make our sport so special.

Nominations are now open and will close at midnight on Sunday, 12 April. This is your opportunity to shine a spotlight on those whose dedication, passion and hard work inspire our bowls community every single day.

2025-26 CLUB CHAMPIONS

2025-26 CLUB CHAMPIONS

2025-26 CLUB CHAMPIONS

JILL BAGSHAW

ARTHURTON BOWLING CLUB

JOAN PROSSER RETIRES AFTER SEVEN YEARS AS SENIOR WOMEN’S STATE SELECTOR

Bowls SA Life Member Joan Prosser has announced her retirement after seven years as Senior Women’s State Selector, concluding a valued period of service to the sport.

In her role, Joan not only helped shape the state’s senior women’s teams, but also travelled as Team Manager, providing vital on-tour support and leadership. Her organisation, experience, and calm presence ensured players were well-prepared and supported at every competition.

A Bowls SA Life Member and highly respected figure within the bowls community, Joan’s contribution has been significant both on and off the green.

Joan retires with the sincere thanks of Bowls SA, leaving a lasting legacy of dedication and service.

BOWLS, COMMUNITY AND SERVICE: LEGACY DAY FOURS A SUCCESS

Author: Joe Di Santo

Murray Bridge RSL Bowling Club recently hosted its annual Legacy Day Fours in near-perfect conditions, with a full field of 18 teams from across the state competing to help raise funds for Legacy. Legacy in the Murraylands and Mallee region hosts five lawn bowls events each season. The season typically begins in October at Jervois Bowling Club, followed by events at Geranium, Mannum, and Karoonda, before Murray Bridge RSL closes the season.

Funds raised from these events support families of those who served and sacrificed, providing essential social and financial support to partners and children of veterans who have been injured or killed in service to Australia. Currently, Legacy assists more than 2,000 families in South Australia and over 28,000 nationwide.

The Legacy Lawn Bowls events have been hosted in the region for the past 20 years. This year also marked the first time the event received support from the Australian Defence Force Lawn Bowls (ADFLB), with three teams participating: an Army team, an Air Force team, and a combined team of veterans and family members.

For ADFLB, the Legacy event was a chance to engage with the wider community, highlight ADF Lawn Bowls, welcome new serving bowlers to the sport, and connect with veterans and the public — all while helping raise funds for Legacy.

The event also gave South Australia–based serving members a valuable chance to reconnect, welcome new participants, and continue preparations for the ADFLB National Championships, which will be hosted at the Salisbury Bowls Club in Adelaide this coming October.

Altogether, the 72 bowlers helped generate over $2,000 for Legacy. The Air Force team took out the win, to then go a step further by donating their prize money back to the organisation.

In the months ahead, ADFLB will put out a call to bowls, encouraging registered ADF Lawn bowlers, Permanent and Reserve forces, to step forward and strengthen player numbers for this year’s 2026 National Championships.

For more information in relation to ADF Lawn Bowls, serving members can visit ADF Lawn Bowls Association - Home or email adf.lawnbowls@resources.defence.gov.au

A CENTURY OF CLARRIE: TINTINARA BOWLING CLUB

CELEBRATES A TRUE LEGEND

Author: Tintinara Bowling Club

The Tintinara Bowling Club’s most senior and Life Member Mr Clarrie Traeger celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday March 21st at the Clubhouse with his family comprising 6 Children, 13 Grand Children, 21 Great Grand Children, Nieces, Nephews and Friends.

Clarrie joined the Tintinara Club in 1976 and served on many and varied committees including Social ,Selection,House ,Match & Programme ,Bar Manager and served as Treasurer for 12 years.

Between all of these commitments Clarrie did find time to play bowls and this he done very well winning all the Club Championship disciplines including 1 Pairs 1 Triples 9 Fours and a Club Singles Championship in the2005/6 season. Plus numerous Club Pennant wins in both Divi sions 1 & 2 with the most recent being this season only the week before his 100th playing against the Mundul la Bowling Club at Tintinara.

Clarrie these days suffers from restricted vision er a few “coercive “words and couple of directions fellow team mates Charlie Allen and Andrew his way to the Jack consistently. Often leav awe.

A feature of Clarrie’s birthday cele the President of the Upper South Beluzzo of a 100yr Certificate to Issy was truly honoured to make himself so lucky as the President of

He isn’t showing any signs of slow each Wednesday as long as it is not playing bowls however he still main to win”.

When not bowling Clarrie likes to cre pentry and metalwork skills. He also ride around town to “check” on some are all ok.

Clarrie is a true gentleman and is ad fraternity for his sportsmanship and a lot of Clarrie’s adversaries may throughout the region there is al Clarrie Traeger going”.

ASK THE UMPIRE

Q : If a game is stopped because of darkness , weather conditions or any other valid reason, when the game recommences, may the players change their position of play?

A : When the game recommences, the scores will remain as they were when the game stopped. The position of players within a team must not be changed after the first end of the game has been completed, unless the change is necessary because a substitute is introduced. Law 11.2.2

Q : The end is a dead end, the skips agree to play the end in the same direction as the dead end and have the bowls returned to the mat end. How should the bowls be transferred back to the mat end?

A : The bowls must be transferred in a way which avoids distracting bowler on the neighbouring rinks, therefore they should be carried. Law 20.2

Do you have a Laws of the Sport Question for the Officiating Committee? Send it through to reception@bowlssa.com.au

2025-26 PENNANT WINNERS

2025-26 PENNANT WINNERS

GSBA Women’s - Division 3 - Myponga

2025-26 PENNANT WINNERS

2025-26 PENNANT WINNERS

BOARD MEMBER PROFILE:

PAUL

ZERELLA - DIRECTOR

I started bowling seriously nearly 20 years ago. I started with the smallest Club in South Australia and the only Old Scholars pennant team in Australia – Adelaide High Old Scholars, and now I bowl for one of the oldest and most successful teams – Adelaide Bowling Club. When people ask why someone plays bowls, the answers are

COMPLAINTS, DISPUTES AND DISCIPLINE POLICY

COMPLAINTS PROCESS: STEP BY STEP

January 2025

The complaints process is set up to keep Australian sport safe and fair. This document outlines how complaints about poor behaviour will be managed under the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy.

MAKING A COMPLAINT

STEP 1 – MAKING A COMPLAINT

People can lodge a complaint regarding discrimination or breaches of the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy to Sport Integrity Australia using the online form. Assistance is available by calling 1300 027 232 and selecting option 3.

Complaints about other prohibited conduct should be submitted to a person’s sporting organisation. If a complaint is about bullying, Sport Integrity Australia has created a ‘Bullying in Sport’ [PDF 565 kB] booklet that offers other pathways a person may choose to pursue.

1 EVALUATION

STEP 2 – Initial Evaluation

2

When a complaint is received, it will be evaluated to work out if it is in scope and will be managed through the complaints process. To be in scope, a complaint needs to meet the following criteria:

• The person who submitted the complaint is the person directly affected by the alleged conduct (or their authorised representative), or the parent/guardian of a vulnerable person directly affected by the alleged conduct.

• The alleged conduct meets the definition of prohibited conduct [PDF 739 kB] under any of the National Integrity Framework policies, or under one of the sport’s relevant policies

• The alleged prohibited conduct occurred after the sport’s commencement of the National Integrity Framework or relevant policy.

• The person or organisation accused of wrongdoing was bound by the sport’s policies at the time the alleged conduct occurred.

From this point on, the complaint may also be referred to another organisation, such as the police or a child protection agency.

Who manages complaints?

Complaints about alleged conduct under the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy or discrimination based on protected characteristics including race, disability, sex, religion or age can be submitted to Sport Integrity Australia. All other integrity complaints will be managed by the person’s sport.

Case categorisation

Upon receipt of a complaint, Sport Integrity Australia considers the alleged conduct and other contextual information to determine the most appropriate way to manage the complaint.

In doing so, Sport Integrity Australia gives consideration to the case categorisation model [PDF 2.6 MB] and relevant aggravating and mitigating factors that may apply. An example of a mitigating factor may be the age of the parties or lack of prior complaint history.

Complaints may be managed through a range of measures, including education and other behavioural management strategies. In some cases, the alleged conduct will be investigated and lead to a finding about what may have happened.

STEP 3

INVESTIGATION

STEP 3 – INVESTIGATION

An investigation is the process of determining what has happened based on the balance of probabilities. As part of an investigation, people involved with the complaint, including witnesses, may be contacted to provide information about the allegations that have been made. In more complex matters, the people involved in the complaint may be required to participate in formal recorded interviews.

It is important that enough information is received to make an informed decision, so depending on the complexity of the complaint, this can take time. Parties to the complaint will be kept updated at appropriate points during the process.

STEP 4

STEP 4 – FINDINGS

FINDINGS

If a person’s complaint is investigated, there are three possible findings that can be made.

Substantiated: If there is sufficient evidence to suggest the alleged conduct is more likely to have occurred than not, the allegation/s in the complaint will be found to be substantiated.

Unsubstantiated: If, based on the evidence, it is more likely than not that the respondent did NOT breach a policy, the allegations will be found to be unsubstantiated and the matter will be closed with no further action.

Unable to be substantiated: If there are two equally plausible versions of events, or not enough evidence to make a finding either way, the matter will be unable to be substantiated.

When a matter is managed by Sport Integrity Australia, they will notify the parties to the complaint of the findings and refer the matter to the sport to manage the resolution process, including guidance on sanctioning if applicable.

STEP 5 – Resolution

If a complaint is found to be substantiated, the sport is responsible for issuing a breach notice to the respondent and may also determine an appropriate sanction. A sanction can include a range of measures ranging from a reprimand to a suspension or expulsion from the sport, depending on the category of the breach. The respondent can either accept the breach notice and proposed sanction, at which point the matter will be finalised, or they can choose to dispute the findings against them and/or the proposed sanction at a hearing tribunal.

The sport will enforce any sanctions that result from the complaints process.