2026 Nationals: Day 1 wrap
The inaugural day of the 2026 Nationals saw the Australian Champion of Champions take centre stage with the action from North Beach providing fans with some tantalising bowls.
In the men’s field young Queenslander Ben Harrison enjoyed a brilliant 21-9 win over Mitchell Jackson of the Northern Territory to kickstart his bid for the biggest title of his career.
Victoria’s Aaron Betts enjoyed a remarkable comeback from 6-13 behind against New South Wales’ Jay Bye-Norris to clinch a 21-19 salutation in the match of the day.
Also in the wins were Tasmania’s Tony Simpson and Western Australia’s Daniel Penman, who overcame Gary Thompson and Glenn Morton respectively.
Emerging Jackaroo Amity Bickley took home a 21-15 win over South Australia’s Cath Greenslade in the women’s draw to commence her campaign.
New South Wales young gun Chanel Chakouch also continued her scintillating run of form, taking an important 21-13 win over Victoria’s Brooke Edwards.
Elsewhere, Queensland’s Julia Brownie and Western Australia’s Linda Warburton claimed wins over Elisa Rigoni and Nicole Mengel respectively.
View the day 1 results HERE
The 2026 Nationals in Perth, Western Australia is proudly supported by the WA Government, Tourism Western Australia and the City of Stirling.
The 2026 Nationals will run from October 2-26, 2026, with live streaming to take place on Bowls Australia’s YouTube channel from the 2nd.
