Bowland Salisbury returns to the national spotlight this weekend as it plays host to the 2026 SA Seniors Classic. The South Australian event is the third nationally ranked event of the TBA Senior and Grand Senior season, following the Hammer QLD Senior Classic and John Sullivan Senior Australian Open.

Now in its 23^rd edition, the SA Seniors Classic has earned its place as one of the most storied events on the senior calendar. An event defined by big performances, fierce competition, and a history rich enough to fill a hall of fame wall. This weekend, some of Australia’s best senior and grand senior bowlers will take on 16 games across two days, with the highest total pinfall determining who takes home the trophy, prize money and paid entry into the 2027 edition.

Event Snapshot

• Event: 2026 SA Seniors Classic
• Dates: 23-24 May 2026
• Venue: Bowland Salisbury, Salisbury East, SA
• Divisions: Senior (50+ male and female) and Grand Senior (65+ male and female)
• Status: TBA Nationally Ranked Event (A26/0140)
• Edition: 23^rd
• Sponsors: Bowland Salisbury, Mawson Lakes Hotel & Function Centre, Gunspray
• Prize Fund: Based on 96 entries (will be adjusted if insufficient entries)

Why this event matters

Since Jeanette Baker and Barry Morgan were crowned the inaugural champions in 2003, the SA Seniors Classic has been a fixture that the senior bowling community circles on the calendar. Baker’s extraordinary record at this event – 12 wins from the first 13 editions, including nine in a row and setting a standard that has shaped everything that followed.

In recent years the event has produced a succession of first-time winners and breakthrough performances. Last year’s 2025 edition was no different, with Jenny Notman and Ashley Riley each claiming their first SA Seniors Classic title, and Riley etching his name in the history books as the first Tasmanian to win the men’s senior crown.

The format remains unchanged: 16 games across Saturday and Sunday, split into two eight-game blocks with lanes washed and re-oiled between squads. Simple, pure and unforgiving making it a true test of consistency over two full days.

This year’s event also welcomes the continued support of Gunspray, the SA-based business owned by Leon and Lorraine Brady, who are contributing to the prize fund alongside returning sponsors of Bowland Salisbury and the Mawson Lakes Hotel & Function Centre. The Bradys are SA bowlers themselves, and Gunspray’s growing involvement in South Australian tournaments reflects the kind of local support that keeps events like this one thriving.

Key Storylines to Watch

Matthews Leads, Dodds Defends

Samantha Matthews heads into Adelaide at the top of the Women’s Senior Division rankings with 165 points. The West Australian has had a consistent season that has seen her built steadily after a third-place finish at this event in 2025. She’ll be determined to convert that ranking form into a first SA Seniors Classic title and second title for 2026 after winning the Hammer.

Mary Dodds sits second in the rankings with 126 points and returns to an event where she has enjoyed significant success. The Victorian won in 2018 and 2024 and finished fourth here in 2025. The two-time champion will be well aware of what it takes to win in Salisbury and is looking for her first title for 2026.

Sue Cassell (120pts), Lee Booth (102pts), and Dena Buxton (100pts) are all within striking distance, making the top of the women’s leaderboard as competitive as it has been all season. Last year’s champion Jenny Notman also returns with the Victorian currently ranked 7^th and looking to defend the title she claimed with a 3,202 pinfall and 200 average across 16 games in 2025.

Thorpe on Top, Riley Looks to Repeat

Andrew Thorpe enters the event as the season leader in the Men’s Senior Division with 200 points, establishing himself as the benchmark after two events.  The Victorian has been unstoppable winning both the Hammer and John Sullivan Australian Open to take an early commanding lead.

Ashley Riley, the 2025 SA Seniors Classic champion and back-to-back Senior Rankings Champion (2024 and 2025) sits second at 111 points, with Alan Notman (110) close behind after a strong start to the year and also a previous champion of this event in 2024.

Riley’s 2025 win here was a commanding one. After trailing Day 1 leader Emilio Di Iorio by 73 pins, he responded with opening games of 276 and 280 on Day 2 to finish with 3, 717 pins and a 232 average. Backing up a performance like that is never easy, but if the 2025 season was any guide, Riley thrives under that kind of pressure.

Adam Hayes (80), Andrew Frawley (76), and Damien McAndrew (75) round out a competitive top six, with the gap between positions tight enough that one strong day could reshape the leaderboard considerably.

Grand Senior Rankings Battle Heats Up

There may be no Grand Senior Divisions officially in the event, but this weekend is another great opportunity for Grand Senior bowlers to obtain ranking points.

Jennifer Burton-Douglas leads the Women’s Grand Senior Division rankings on 180 points heading into Adelaide. Maximum points earned at the John Sullivan and the second most at the Hammer has seen Jennifer move into the top spot quickly.  Robyn Flynn (155) and Julie Harrison (145) are not far behind, with Harrison a familiar name at this event – the 2016 champion will be looking for a return to the winners’ podium.

Graeme Morgan heads the Grand Senior male rankings on 200 points with dominant displays at the Hammer and John Sullivan Australian Open receiving maximum ranking points. Jim Bakirtzidis (130), and David Farquharson (123) remain hot on the heels of Graeme. Please note the Grand Seniors prize fund is only for non-cashing bowlers in the Seniors division.

Format

All bowlers complete 16 games across two days – 8 games on Day 1 and 8 games on Day 2. The bowler with the highest total pinfall in each division is declared champion.

How to follow the event

The 2026 SA Seniors Classic runs Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May at Bowland Salisbury, 4-8 Clayson Rd, Salisbury east, SA, 5109. Scoring will be updated on TenpinResults from tournament organisers. Admission is free for spectators.

Past Champions

2026 TBA Senior / Grand Senior Division Rankings Schedule

1. The Hammer Queensland Seniors Classic – COMPLETED
2. John Sullivan Senior Australian Open – COMPLETED
3. SA Seniors Classic – 23-24 May
4. Brunswick Seniors Classic – 24-26 July
5. TBA50 National Masters – TBD