Well done to Leeston Bowling Club and Ellesmere Bowls for hosting the inaugural Ellesmere Secondary Schools Bowls Challenge yesterday!

It was fantastic to see so many talented young bowlers out on the green, showcasing their skills and enjoying the competition.

Competition organizer Wendy Toohey said that following the success of this year’s tournament she was confident that the competition would be expanded to involve Lincoln High and Rolleston College next year, with the possibility of Methven’s Mt Hutt also joining. “I see this as an opportunity to get our youth involved in lawn bowls in a competitive yet social environment,”, she said. “It could possibly lead to a South Island-wide secondary schools’ competition.”.

Ellesmere College teacher Dean Mower was impressed by the way players communicated and encouraged each other, particularly as the day went on.

Ellesmere Collage took the title this year! 

The Fair Play Award – Blake Seymour

The Most Promising Player - Jake Davie

“Drive” of the day - Knea Wati

Ditch to Ditch - Rhys Mahoney

Most Communication - Jayish Goundar

The final word of the day went to Akaroa’s Jayish Goundar who said that it was their school’s first day on a natural green, that they had learned from the experience and hoped to be back next year.

If your club or school are interested in running a tournament like this, please get in touch with Amie - development@bowlscanterbury.co.nz

Article added: Thursday 26 March 2026