ANNOUNCED: Open Men’s Team – National Championships
Bowls SA is today pleased to announce the Open Men’s Team, which will be representing South Australia at the upcoming Nationals event.
To be held in Perth, WA from October 15-18, at the Osborne Park Bowling Club, the state will send an experienced contingent of players for the Australian Sides Championships, including debutants Todd Brand and Chris Carswell.
Open Men’s coach Les ‘Bushy’ Carter, a highly-respected figure, said selection was ‘very difficult’.
But after disappointing results across recent nationals, including just three wins in Tasmania in 2025, Carter believes he’s got the right mix this time around.
“My aim is to bring the side back to being more competitive, especially against the Eastern states,” he said.
“We have underperformed over the past three years, and I am confident the Reds can do much better.
“It’s quite a big shake up for the side, losing four players from 2025, which brings challenges, but also opportunity for some new players.
“We had very strong interest from our EOI which allowed us to develop a highly talented squad to pick from amongst some new players, plus the renewed interest of some previous state player stalwarts.
“Selection has been very difficult, with the squad playing well during our selection trials. We believe we have selected a well-balanced team, with sufficient game experience and ability to win the tough games.
“My next challenge with the team is to develop our game strategy and style that we will use during the Australian Sides Championships.
“We are also fortunate to have a good build up before the series with the reintroduction of the Ford/Wishart trophy against Western Australia.
“I thank the efforts of not only the players who have trialled for this series but also to our two selectors in Daryl Stienwiedel and Tim Hicks.”
