Moree recently hosted the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Bowls Tournament, which showcased exceptional talent and intense competition. The event took place at the Moree Services Club, drawing participation from 18 teams across New South Wales. A total prize pool of $20,000 was at stake, with teams eager to prove themselves.
Peak Hill Boys Claim Victory
The final match featured Peak Hill and Gunnedah battling fiercely for the championship title. Representing Peak Hill were players Dylan Skinner, Warren Towney, Ricky Read, and Cooper Dart. Meanwhile, Gunnedah’s squad included Sam Pryor, Keith Hubbard, Jake Martin, and Cameron Yates.
In a thrilling match that lasted eight ends, Peak Hill emerged victorious with a close score of 8-5. Skinner’s outstanding performance as skip was pivotal to their success. “That was a nerve-wracking game, and we were lucky to get over the line,” he commented. “Both teams showed great skill throughout.”
Highlights from the Tournament
- Date: The tournament took place over a weekend in 2026.
- Location: Moree Services Club, Moree.
- Participating Teams: 18 teams from various regions.
- Prize Pool: $20,000.
The match began with Gunnedah taking a lead, scoring three points in the first end. However, Peak Hill quickly matched that with three points of their own in the next end. Skinner praised his teammates from Peak Hill, stating, “This tournament is a great opportunity for us to connect and play together.”
Individual Achievements
Dylan Skinner was named Player of the Tournament, scoring an impressive 31 points. He finished four points ahead of Gunnedah’s Sam Pryor, who had 27 points. The third position was shared by Jake Martin from Gunnedah and Bill Ahoy from Armidale, both with 22 points, while Moree’s Mitchell Johnson and Todd Fuller also made a notable impression with 19 points.
Community and Venue Insights
Mitchell Johnson, one of the tournament’s co-organizers, praised the facilities in Moree. “The undercover synthetic greens are incredible for a town where lawn bowls isn’t as popular,” he noted. He reflected on the strong performance of the local teams, highlighting their competitiveness throughout the event.
Peak Hill’s victory adds to a rich history of competitive spirit in the NSW Aboriginal Bowls community. With players committed to excellent sportsmanship, the event not only fosters competition but also builds connections among teams from various regions.
Overall, the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Bowls Tournament was a resounding success, and participants, including Peak Hill’s champions, look forward to returning next year to defend their titles and engage in more spirited competition.
