In a stunning turn of events at the 2024 Grand National Youth Eliminator, junior bowlers Brianna Walsh and Lachlan Howse delivered standout performances to triumph over their senior counterparts at Caboolture Bowl, marking an exciting shift in youth bowling.
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Qualifying drama sets stage
The tournament’s opening phase was a showcase of exceptional talent across both divisions, Matt Stevens of Tenpin Bowling Australia reports. Western Australia’s Emma Blunden dominated the women’s division, amassing a total pinfall of 2,127 with an outstanding 212.7 average. Her stellar performance included a remarkable 284 in her second game, securing a commanding 172-pin lead heading into Stage 2.
In the men’s division, Queensland’s Lachlan Howse displayed impressive consistency. Despite a modest 186 in his opening game, he delivered nine consecutive scores above 200, finishing with a total pinfall of 2,269. National Training Squad members Luke Doyle (2,258) and Justin Dinham (2,203) kept the pressure on throughout qualifying.
Shocking eliminations at Caboolture Bowl
The competitive intensity of the event was evident in the qualifying cut, which saw several favourites bow out early. Defending champion Tamika Pettigrew narrowly missed advancement by just two pins, while Nicholas Rajkovic’s 13th-place finish brought his campaign to a premature end.
Bracket finals sees junior uprising
The tournament’s McIntyre system finals produced compelling matchups. Top-seeded Howse faced early adversity, losing to Victorian bowler William Zaccaria 430-399. However, his resilience shone in the elimination rounds as he edged out Jackson Buckingham 204-202 and clinched the title with a decisive 207-188 victory over Australian World Cup team member Seth Gray.
In the women’s division, Blunden maintained her momentum through the semifinals, defeating Tahlia Corbett 172-155. However, Brianna Walsh rose to the occasion in the final, securing her first national title with a commanding 217-200 victory.
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As the curtain closes on this successful event at Caboolture Bowl & Mini Golf , the triumphs of Walsh and Howse herald a bright future for Australian youth bowling, showcasing the sport’s emerging talent at both local and national levels.
Published 20-November-2024
Featured Image Photo Credit: Facebook/Tenpin Bowling Australia
