2023 Junior State Bowls Championships at Burnett Bowls Club

More than 90 players from across the state made their way to the Burnett Bowls Club for the Junior State Championships this week. See the photos here.

The Junior State Championships are being held at the Burnett Bowls Club.

Young bowls players from across the state descended on the Burnett Bowls Club for six days of lawn bowls at the Junior State Championships.

More than 90 players made the trip, with Queensland selectors eyeing off the very best for future state and national representation.

Players under the age of 17 competed in four events, with open and gendered events defining the week of competition.

CEO of Bowls Queensland, Brett Wilkie, said the event was a great way to promote the sport to a younger generation.

“It’s a great sport for various ages to play together, young and old can enjoy the sport together,” he said.

Support for the sport has risen through youth events, Wilkie said.

He said junior numbers were up 13 per cent on the previous year.

Chairman of the Burnett Bowls Association, Des Kemp, said the event was a great way to promote the sport among existing junior players.

While wet weather did impact the turf, Kemp said it did not dampen the fun.

“The juniors love playing in the rain, so they’re enjoying it,” he said.

The competition will end on January 20, with the entire event livestreamed to a global audience.

Eight boys and eight girls will be selected to represent Queensland against NSW in July, with the chance to be selected for a nation team.

The Burnett Bowls Club and Bowls Queensland passed their thanks along to the Bundaberg Regional Council for its support in hosting and organising the event.

See the photos from Monday’s play:

Injuries didn't stop the players from being competitive.

Sophie Allan judges the distance for her next play.

Players weren't bothered by constant showers on the green.

Players were as watchful of their own teammates as they were of competitors, communicating the best way to make a move.

Maddison Parkinson makes a move for her team.

Local Jay-Dee Blackley makes a move.

Players took careful care of their equipment between bowls.

Players watched how the green performed under wet weather.

Sam Collier watches his roll head down the green.

Young Steven Bird-Monk puts his weight behind a roll.

A young players makes a move.

Lacey Gerick makes a move.

Teammates often took a moment to chat about their strategy.

Logan Hughes takes a moment to consider her move.

Players took the spacing seriously, and referees were often called onto the green.

Crowds often cheered loudly for a well placed ball.

Many of the competitors will compete in all six days of the event.

More than 90 players made their way to Bundaberg for the event.

Wet weather didn't dampen the excitement at the Burnett Bowls Club.

Xavier Parkinson makes a play.

Chaz Doherty watches his opponent bowl.

Junior State Championships of the Queensland Bowls association.

Players came from across the state for the championships.

Monday saw the open pair championships battle on the greens.

Holly Anderson from Cunnamulla prepares to make a bowl.

Stella Palmer of the Roma Bowls Club watches her play on the greens.

Steven Bird-Monk watches over the game.

Zed Peters mid swing.

Originally published as 2023 Junior State Bowls Championships at Burnett Bowls Club