Inter School Challenge Expands in 2026 as SA Bowls Talent Shines
South Australia’s emerging lawn bowls talent was on full display at the 2026 Northern Inter School Challenge, with students delivering a day of high-quality competition at Playford Bowling Club.
This year’s event introduced a new format, splitting the competition into Northern and Southern divisions for the first time. The change was designed to make travel more manageable for schools and has already proven a positive step forward in growing participation across the state.
A total of 16 teams representing 11 schools took part, competing in a fast-paced triples format. Sectional matches were played over four ends, before the event culminated in a six-end playoff to determine final placings.
Medal Winners
Congratulations to all students who competed and represented their schools with enthusiasm and pride. This year’s top three teams were:
- Gold Medal: Moonta Area School
Lead: Ethan Osborn
Second: Lachlan Gray
Skip: Liam Weatherley - Silver Medal: Berri Regional School
Lead: Mitchell Johnson
Second: Nate Gartner
Skip: Ryan Hill - Bronze Medal: Booleroo Centre District School
Lead: Lily Arthur
Second: Eddie Piggott
Skip: Darcy Jones
Match Highlights
The gold medal match proved to be a thrilling contest, coming down to a tie-break after Berri Regional School staged a remarkable comeback, picking up five shots across the final two ends to level the scores. In a tense decider, Moonta Area School held their nerve to claim victory by a single shot, with the final score finishing 7–6 after seven ends.
Pathway to Nationals
The event also serves as a key selection opportunity, with School Sport SA and Bowls SA working together to identify a South Australian State School Team. Selected players will travel to Ocean Grove Bowling Club in Victoria to compete at the National Schools Bowls Championship, taking place from Sunday 6 September to Thursday 10 September, 2026.
Thanks to Our Community
Events like this are made possible through the support of venues, volunteers, and school communities. Playford Bowling Club once again provided an excellent host venue, supported by dedicated volunteers, coaches, and staff who continue to foster the growth of school bowls.
With strong participation and an evolving competition format, school lawn bowls in South Australia continues to build momentum for the future.
