2024 State Carnival Winners Announced
After an incredible five days of play, Pamela Stephens, Kerry Pedder, Julie Schumacher and Rosita Ryan from Soldiers Point were crowned 2024 State Carnival winners. They defeated Cheryl Gillard, Kathryn Betcher, Kate Cooper and Jan Rolph (composite team) in a brilliant final played in front of a big crowd at Forster Bowling Club.
As the tournament progressed, the field narrowed, leaving only four teams standing after Thursday’s matches. Tight contests characterised the Round of 32, Round of 16, and Quarter-final rounds, with mere shots deciding the fate of some teams.
On Friday morning, eager spectators gathered to witness the semi-final clashes. The formidable quartet from Soldiers Point, skipped by Rosita Ryan, had an impressive 18-9 victory over Windang’s Kim Hart, Kerrie Taylor, Ann Murray and Janelle Jordan, securing their place in the final. Windang’s path to the semi-final was marked by a dramatic quarter-final showdown, when their skip, Janelle Jordan took the jack to the ditch on the final end securing the two shots needed to win the match.
In the other semi-final clash, the composite side, comprising players from Merrylands, Grenfell, Young, and Dandenong, faced off against Merimbula Dolphins’ Joy Scott, Linda Hall, Diana Skipworth and Christine McGarrity. The composite side emerged victorious with a 16-11 triumph, booking their place in the final.
The final unfolded amidst an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation, as fans gathered around the greens of Forster Bowling Club. Despite an early advantage for Soldiers Point, their opponents mounted a spirited comeback, narrowing the margin to a single shot after 14 ends. Soldiers Point regained their composure and surged ahead, ultimately clinching victory with a final score of 18-13.
A huge thank you to our nine host venues: Forster Bowling Club, serving as the main host, along with Bulahdelah Bowling Club, Hallidays Sports Club, Pacific Palms Bowling Club, Club West Taree, Taree Leagues Bowling Club, Tuncurry Forster Sports Bowling Club, Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club, and Old Bar Bowling Club. To all 932 participants and countless volunteers, thank you for making this year one of the best Carnivals yet!
Click here to view the full results
