Australia’s bowlers are taking inspiration from the deluge of medals provided by the nation’s swimmers, as they hope to join the gold rush at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Jackaroos Women’s Pairs duo Kelsey Cottrell and Dawn Hayman have clearly been taking notes after recording victories over the Isle of Man and Singapore on Saturday to continue their strong start to the competition.
“We watched a little bit of the swimming last night and saw some of the gold-medal presentations,” Cottrell said. “It’s what all of us Aussies strive for: winning that gold medal and getting on top of the medal tally.”
Hayman is making her maiden appearance at the Games alongside a legend of the sport who has already completed a clean sweep of gold, silver and bronze across appearances in 2010, 2014 and 2018. For bowlers who rarely compete in multi-sport events, bonding with athletes from other sports is a huge positive.
“The experience so far has been amazing,” said Hayman. “We’ve been mixing with some of the other Australian athletes, chatting to the netballers and watching the (Para) Powerlifting yesterday. It’s been a really good experience. I’m loving it.”
English pair chasing yet more success
England’s Amy Pharaoh and Sian Honnor – Australia’s rivals in the Women’s Pairs – have eight Commonwealth medals between them but are taking nothing for granted in Glasgow. They maintained their 100% start with a win against Malta.
“We come here wanting to do our best,” said Pharaoh. “It would be amazing to medal, but the format is so short and sharp, really it is anybody’s game, so we’re just happy to be in the position we are at the minute.”
Honnor’s list of Games medals includes gold in the Women’s Triples at Glasgow 2014, and the 38-year-old has has fond memories of competing here.
“I’d only just got married as well so it was a very special year,” Honnor said. “This city’s got an incredible vibe about it and the people are really friendly. We’re genuinely having a great time.”
In the Men’s Singles, Gary Kelly (NIR) has won his opening four matches and, having claimed bronze at Delhi 2010 and silver four years ago in Birmingham, it’s no surprise his thoughts have turned to a different medal colour.
“It would be a fantastic feeling to complete the set,” Kelly said. “It would be a huge honour and hopefully make my friends and family proud. But it’s all about Team Northern Ireland.
“Our duty here as athletes representing Team Northern Ireland is to bring success back to our country, and that’s what I’m hoping to achieve.”
Elsewhere in the Men’s Singles, Jason Banks (SCO) suffered a surprise defeat by Rajnesh Prasad (FIJ), who tops Section C with three wins out of three.
The Para Mixed Pairs B2-B3 competition continued with early wins for Scotland and England, although Wales were on the wrong end of a tiebreak against New Zealand.
For the schedule and results for Bowls and Para Bowls click here