HAWTHORN DUO CROWNED OPEN PAIRS CHAMPIONS
Following three weekends of bowls across South Australia, where Sectionals, Knockouts, and Finals took place, the 2026 Open Pairs have officially been crowned.
In what was the second-ever Open Pairs event, matches were played across Blackwood, Modbury, Payneham, Playford, and Torrensville, with 169 teams taking to the green from both metropolitan and regional South Australia.
Proving to be a popular event yet again, the competition was the perfect pre-season opportunity to enhance participation and experience quality bowls.
Four teams progressed through to Sunday afternoon’s semi-finals at the recently renovated Torrensville Bowling Club, with competition proving tight as duos from Hawthorn, Millswood, Port Noarlunga, and Saddleworth competed for glory.
The first semi-final saw reigning champions Enio Rossi and Massimo Castiglia, of Millswood, take on Saddleworth pair Judy Rowett and Trevor Reichelt.
But it was the country-based pair who outlasted their opponents, winning by 14 shots to nine, keeping their cool in the dying stages as the crowd built.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final saw Hawthorn-based brothers Grant and Darren Siegertsz enjoy a dominant path to the final, landing a bumper 24-6 victory over Port Noarlunga’s Julie Bannister and Brad Napper.
Although the final proved competitive early, it was ultimately the Siegertsz pair who proved too strong on the big stage, executing under pressure for a 24-11 victory.
Their aggressive, but calculated approach paid off, with both bowlers executing precision shots end after end.
To see the 2026 Open Pairs results, click here.
Bowls SA extends its deepest thanks to the dedicated volunteers at all of the clubs, who’s behind-the-scenes work was essential to the event’s success. Your commitment is the cornerstone of this championship.
To all players, supporters, umpires, and host clubs, we thank you for making the second edition of the event spectacular.
We look forward to welcoming you back in 2027 for what is set to be yet another exciting running of the Open Pairs.
