A Day on the Green at Hometown Australia’s State of Origin Grand Final Bowling Competition

In a fantastic day of competitive bowls, residents from across Hometown Australia’s Queensland and New South Wales communities came together for the State of Origin Grand Final Bowling Competition at the Sunrise community on Saturday, 11 June 2022.

Over the past three months, residents have been battling it out for a spot as a finalist at the Grand Final making their way through qualifying, preliminary, and state finals to guarantee their position in one of the three categories: men’s pairs, ladies pairs and mixed pairs.

It was a clear and sunny day with a bit of wind proving challenging for the grand finalists however nothing could stop players from putting on a show! The day started with a special performance by the Sunrise choir and band singing the National Anthem. Amongst the 100 plus spectators was our special guest Sponsor MHIA – Land Lease Insurance Specialists cheering on players who showcased a phenomenal two hours of bowling.

The men’s pairs saw David Murray and Ben Pratap from Green Wattle in Queensland take on Graham Walkom and Jack Turton from Sunrise in New South Wales. In a tight knit game, the Queensland team shined in the later stages showcasing exceptional bowling, with the New South Wales team fighting back hard but the win going to the Queensland team with the winning shots from David Murray. Congratulations to David and Ben from the Queensland team!

The ladies pairs saw Lyn Hassall and Cathy Alexander from Redlands in Queensland take on Jean Bullock and Cathy Roberts from Valhalla in New South Wales. In a nail-biting competition, the Queensland team jumped out with a small lead which was quickly pinned back by the New South Wales team around the hallway point. Queensland powered through in the later stages picking up several ends in a row securing them the victory. Congratulations to Lyn and Cathy from the Queensland team!

The mixed pairs saw Graham Ritchie and Marie Ritchie from Redbank in Queensland take on Bobby Driscoll and Maureen Candsell from Oaklands in New South Wales. The competition started off as a battle royal with both teams trading shots at each end. The New South Wales team picked up a few big numbers at the halfway point, powering them home for the win with Bobby dominating the rink with exceptional draw bowling! Congratulations to Bobby and Maureen from the New South Wales team!

As the competition came to a close, players and spectators enjoyed a beautiful lunch organised by the Sunrise Social Committee followed by an Awards Ceremony presenting our winners and runner ups, along with a special MHIA – Land Lease Insurance Specialists Best on Ground award.

Congratulations to QUEENSLAND for winning the overall Hometown Australia State of Origin Bowling Competition, 2 – 1. A big congratulations to all of our winners –

Winners – David Murray and Ben Pratap from Green Wattle (QLD)

Runner ups – Graham Walkom and Jack Turton from Sunrise (NSW)

Winners – Lyn Hassall and Cathy Alexander from Redlands (QLD)

Runner ups – Jean Bullock and Cathy Roberts from Valhalla (NSW)

Winners – Bobby Driscoll and Maureen Candsell from Oaklands (NSW)

Runner ups – Graham Ritchie and Marie Ritchie from Redbank (QLD)

Winners – Bobby Driscoll from Oaklands in NSW

Congratulations to all of our winners and runner ups and to all residents who took part in the competition. We look forward to bringing the Hometown Australia State of Origin Bowling Competition back in 2023!