Mixed Results for ADF Bowlers
For the first time this season a number of bowlers from the Australian Defence Force Lawn Bowls Association (ADFLB), posted to South Australia, participated in Bowls SA events, with some representing both their clubs, and their respective service.
Air Force’s WOFF Brenton Marshall (Salisbury BC) and Army’s WO2 Louise Sumner (Semaphore BC) (both pictured) were the most successful of the ADFLB contingent qualifying for the round of 16 in the State Mixed Pairs in October of last year.
Last month saw Brent and Louise travelling to Holdfast Bowling and Croquet Club for the knockout rounds. They won their first game and progressed to the quarter final only to be eliminated by the eventual grand finalist Emma O’Malley and Josh Porker of the Karoonda Bowling Club.
ADFLB is in uncharted territory with the National Championships to be conducted in South Australia for the very first time in the event’s nearly 40-year history. The Salisbury Bowling Club will host the ADFLB event over the period 19 – 24 October 2025. The re-location from the eastern states and change of scenery is hoping to attract large numbers from across the three Services around the nation.
ADFLB are putting out a call to arms for ADF registered bowlers, both permanent and active reservists to boost its playing numbers for this year’s 2025 championships. The championship attracts bowlers of all skill levels from beginners to Australia representatives and all in-between. The competition is broken into state competition for the first 2 ½ days followed by Inter-Service competition for the next 1 ½ days, with the conclusion of play, the ADF representative squad is selected and announced at the presentation night.
Post service competitions, 16 players are selected for the ADF Team, who will represent the ADF at various events throughout the following 12 months. These event include; Remembrance Day vs ACT in Canberra, ANZAC Series vs QLD presidents XII and the Soldiers Point 6 Way Challenge
For more information ADF members can go to http://collab/JCG/Org/JSSD/ADFSC/ADF_Lawn_Bowls or email adflawnbowls@dpe.protectected.mil.au
Submitted by Joe Di Santo
