2024/25 Rookie Pairs State Finals
The 2024/25 Rookie State Finals began with great excitement at Raymond Terrace, where Ryan and Jack Barclay from Padstow clinched the pairs discipline in fine style.
On Thursday, 21st November, the undercover greens at Raymond Terrace came alive as 32 teams gathered for the Rookie Pairs State Finals. With hopes of topping their sections and advancing to the Friday quarter-finals, the atmosphere was electric, filled with both excitement and nerves. For many, this marked their first-ever taste of State Finals bowls, an experience that they will not forget. From 13-year-old Deakin Brincat from Bateau Bay, the youngest competitor, to 76-year-old David Oatley from Mosman, the eldest, the event highlighted the inclusivity of bowls, bringing together participants of all ages and backgrounds from across the state. Representing both men’s and women’s divisions, these teams had earned their spots through regional qualification, making it a proud achievement for many players and their clubs.
The father-son duo of Ryan and Jack Barclay showcased remarkable form throughout the competition. They topped their section on shot difference with two wins and a draw, advancing to the quarter-finals. There, they delivered a commanding 17-7 victory over Adam Slater and Charles Burns from Mona Vale. Their momentum continued in the semi-final with another dominant performance against Daniel Kilroy and Lalor Prowse from Maclean, earning them a well-deserved spot in the final.
Soldiers Point also displayed consistent brilliance in the sectional rounds, securing three wins from three with a margin of +14. In the quarter-finals, they defeated Brad Teague and Duane Faro from Caragabal and Narromine, followed by another emphatic victory against Mark Pickett and Stuart Powell of Albion Park in the semi-final.
Padstow’s Ryan and Jack Barclay claimed the Rookie Pairs State title with a nail-biting one-shot victory over Soldiers Point’s Barry Williams and Peter Knowles. The final was an absolute show of brilliance from both sides keeping spectators in person and online on the edge of their seats.
The final was a tightly contested affair, with both sides exchanging shots and remaining neck-and-neck for most of the game. The Padstow pair managed to pull ahead with a three-shot lead heading into the final end—the largest margin of the match. In a dramatic conclusion, Soldiers Point’s Peter Knowles narrowly missed securing three shots with his final bowl, which would have drawn the game level. The match concluded with an 11-10 victory for the Barclays, sealing their well-deserved triumph in spectacular fashion.
Mick Bell Encouragement Award
Quarter-finalists Brad Teague (Caragabal) and Duane Faro (Narromine) were recognised with the Mick Bell Encouragement Award. This accolade celebrates their outstanding spirit and sportsmanship throughout the Rookie Pairs event.
The Rookie Singles discipline gets underway tomorrow, Saturday 22nd November with sectional play from 8:45am. Tune into the Bowls NSW Facebook and Youtube channels to watch the action live.
