Para teams ready to put their best foot forward
Excitement is through the roof for Women’s Para Coach Julie Bannister ahead of this year’s Nationals event, saying she has one of the strongest teams she’s ever had at her disposal.
To be held in Perth, WA, from October 6-10, at the North Beach Bowling Club, the state will send a strong contingent of players for the Australian Para Nationals across both the men and women.
The SA Para Women’s Team, features Susan Kruger, Cathy Vluggen, and debutant Claire McMillan.
Kruger will take the singles challenge, while Vluggen and McMillan will join forces in the pairs, before all three combine for the triples.
Coach of the side Julie Bannister said the recruiting has been a focus for 2026, with several talented bowlers now onboard.
“I’m really excited for this year, and hopefully we can bring home more medals, because I think we’ve got an amazing team,” she said.
“We’ve done a heap of zoom meetings which we’ve never done before as well as our trainings, so everyone’s ready to go.
“We have a day of practice before we get started, and I think it’s the best team we’ve ever taken, and they have a lot of experience.”
Meanwhile, on the men’s front, the SA side features debutants Keith Robinson and Jacob Casswell, plus the experienced Chris Flavel.
Flavel will lead up the singles, while Robinson and Casswell combine in the doubles, before the trio team up for the triples.
Coach Anthony Moffatt said he was excited by the fresh wave of talent who will represent the state.
“The SA squad has seen a wave of fresh new talent over the last 12 months, and some of these players have performed very well over the selection/trial period with outstanding results at State Championships,” he said.
“We believe the addition of these players add depth to our team and we are excited to see how far we can push the top contenders and bring back a few medals.”
