2025 National Disability Championship State Team Challenge Day Preview

One of the biggest days of the National Disability Championships has arrived!

Today, the stage is set at Zone Bowling Morley in Western Australia for two of the most anticipated events of the championships – the Cole Cup Challenge and the Michael Cooke Memorial Shield.

These state-vs-state battles are a proud tradition of the National Disability Championships and highlight the spirit of team pride, sportsmanship, and national unity.

What Are the State Team Challenges?

Presented by the Australian Disabilities Tenpin Incorporated (ADTI) and Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA), both events are designed to allow bowlers of varying abilities the chance to represent their state or territory on the national stage. To be eligible, all players must have completed an All-Events entry at the 2025 National Disability Championships.

Every Australian state and territory are represented in both events, with squads selected by their State/Territory Disabilities Committees. Teams consist of a maximum of eight players, with five active players per match.

Where to Watch

Both events will be streamed live, allowing supporters from around the country to tune in to the action. 🎥 Watch the live stream by clicking the link on the event page here.

📼 Remember this? Last year’s event featured a historic moment when Pino Mascetti (VIC) rolled the first-ever 300 game in challenge history!

Results & Updates

As in previous years, results will be maintained by tournament organisers and then sent to TBA to add to the National Disability Championship Hub throughout the day as matches are completed.

Cole Cup Challenge

Originally known as the Oakford National State Team Challenge, the event was renamed in honour of Mr. Barry Cole and has been contested since 1996.

This event uses a handicap scoring system to level the playing field, making it inclusive for all skill levels.

🏆 Defending Champions:

South Australia, who edged out Western Australia by just 1 point last year (35 points to 34) returns to defend their crown. With the event now on WA’s home turf, expect a fierce battle for redemption.

Format:

• Teams play one full team game against each other in a round-robin format.
• Individual Matchups: Bowlers are matched positionally against the opposing team.
  • 1 point is awarded to the bowler with the highest pinfall (with handicap). Tied scores split the point.
• Team Pinfall: 2 points are awarded to the team with the highest total pinfall (with handicap) in each match.
• The team with the highest total points at the end of all matches is crowned the Cole Cup Challenge Champion.

Rosters

The Michael Cooke Memorial Shield

Previously known as the Campbelltown Trophies State Team Challenge, this event was renamed to honour the late Mr. Michael Cooke. The event is a scratch competition (no handicaps), showcasing top-tier competitive talent.

The perpetual shield is sponsored by long-time supporter and photographer Mr. Barry Davies.

🏆 Defending Champions:

Queensland, who ended NSW’s four-year winning streak in a thrilling finish.
They tied with Victoria on 38 points, with the decision going down to pins, QLD clinched the title by just 8 pins.

Format:

• Teams play one full team game against each other in a round-robin format.
• Individual Matchups: Bowlers are matched positionally against the opposing team.
  • 1 point is awarded to the bowler with the highest pinfall. Tied scores split the point.
• Team Pinfall: 2 points are awarded to the team with the highest total pinfall in each match.
• The team with the most points at the conclusion of all matches wins the Michael Cooke Memorial Shield.

Rosters

Best of Luck!

Tenpin Bowling Australia and ADTI wish all participants the very best as they proudly represent their state and battle for national honours.

Let the cheering, camaraderie, and competition begin!