Inter-Schools Challenge a Huge Success

In its inaugural year, the Inter-Schools Challenge has proven to be a hit with high schools, as hundreds of students took to the greens over the year to give bowls a go. The initiative, started by Bowls NSW in conjunction with the Bowls Australia Regional Bowls Managers (RBM’s) aimed to introduce the sport to students through the help of local bowling clubs, where coaches provided students with training before letting them compete against each other in friendly competitions. School champions would qualify for Regional Finals, with Regional winners qualifying for the State Finals.

The 2022 Inter-Schools Challenge State Finals took place at NBC Sports Club, where eight triples teams from five high schools met to battle it out for the title! With the sun beaming down, teams from Sylvania, Kingswood, Camden, St Benedicts and Chatswood played three sectional rounds with section winners to play-off in the final. Matches were conducted in sets play with a tie-breaker if needed, the short, sharp format making for exciting games all through the day which kept players involved. Club coaches from each school and club, as well as Bowls Australia RBM’s, were also on hand to assist students where needed.

After sectional play was completed, it was Sylvania High School (1) and Kingswood High School who secured their place in the final, courtesy of some brilliant bowling. The final was no different, with shots being exchanged on regular occasions and students showcasing a level of talent well beyond their months of experience! In a tight affair, it was Sylvania (1) who claimed a 4-2, 3-3 victory, picking up a much needed two on the last end of their second set to secure the win.

Players, coaches and spectators all commented on how they enjoyed the experience, and how fantastic it was to be able to compete for a state title while representing their school.

Bowls NSW would like to thank all the host venues, local clubs, Bowls Australia RBM’s, high schools, teachers, parents and students for making our inaugural event such a success.

The final standings for the 2022 Inter-Schools Challenge were as follows:

1st Place	Sylvania High School (1)
2nd Place	Kingswood High School
3rd Place	Camden High School (1)
4th Place	Camden High School (2)
5th Place	St Benedict’s Catholic College
6th Place	Sylvania High School (2)
7th Place	Chatswood High School (1)
8th Place	Chatswood High School (2)