2025-26 Multi-Disability Open Pairs Champions
Over the third weekend in May, at Torrensville Bowling Club, bowlers across the state competed in the 2025-26 Multi-Disability State Championships – Open Pairs competition.
The championship fielded nine pairs across three sections, featuring players of varying Para, and Intellectual Disabilities and was contested across two days (Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May), showcasing multiple strong performances and narrow victories.
Finals Day
Finals Day kicked off on Sunday May 17 with the winners of section 1 Aaron Emonson (Millicent) / Chris Flavel (Modbury) showcasing why they were looking to make it three straight championships in this format, securing a 19 to 6 victory over section 2 winners Virginia Ferguson (Gladstone) / Robert Cooper (Modbury).
Meanwhile section 3 winners Cathy Vluggen (Wallaroo) / Jacob Casswell (Walkerville) once again triumphing over next best qualifiers Port Noarlunga pair Vanessa Wildy / John Swarbrick in a sectional rematch, winning 21 shots to 6.
The gold medal match was one to remember, going down to the wire. At the penultimate end, first time finalists Cathy Vluggen / Jacob Casswell secured 3 shots widening their lead to 13 – 9 with 1 end to go.
Knowing that they needed at least 4 shots to force a tiebreaker end, back-to-back champions Aaron Emonson / Chris Flavel were unable to find where those shots would come from. With 1 bowl to go Chris delivered a drive to kill to end and reset. Unable to do so, this secured an historic victory for Cathy Vluggen / Jacob Casswell.
This marked the first female winner of any multi-disability tournament and has now put the multi-disability competition on notice for future as Jacob is a first-time entrant in these events.
Click here to view all the results from the Open Pairs competition.
Bowls South Australia extends its heartfelt gratitude to Torrensville Bowling Club and the dedicated volunteers and officials who generously contributed their time and effort. Their invaluable support continues to make events like these a great success year after year.
