Carlton Gardens Primary School Strikes Gold at the Victorian State Bowling Championships

Written By Carlton Gardens Bowling Club

They came, they rolled, they conquered the lanes at Wyncity Keon Park as Carlton Gardens Primary School (CGPS) clinched the top spot in the Primary Schools division of School Sport Victoria’s Tenpin Bowling State Championships in December 2025. It was a fitting finals venue that has hosted a variety of prestigious events over the years, including the Victorian Youth Classic, the State Masters Tournament, and numerous junior and inter-school zonal competitions.

The event, which marked a watershed moment for the state’s junior bowlers, showcased both their athletic prowess and the vitality of the sport within educational communities across Victoria. With the thunderous sound of pins falling and the cheers of supporters echoing through the venue, the championship underscored the growing popularity and competitive spirit of tenpin bowling among school students. CGPS team, represented by Ryan Subhash, Zachary Mathew, and brothers Kaisar and Aidan Batyrbekov, emerged victorious in the end, putting the school firmly on Australia’s bowling map.

The team managed to refine their skills in both accuracy and strategy by quickly learning the intricacies of tenpin bowling: from perfecting their approach and release to understanding how to pick up challenging spares and maximise scores in each frame.

The team’s road to the championship was marked by perseverance and making the right decisions under pressure. On the day of the finals, CGPS demonstrated poise and teamwork, with standout performances from all four bowlers across the two games of ten frames each.

The format of the championship mirrored professional standards, with each team competing in a series of games. Teams were scored based on their cumulative pinfall, with bowling terminology front and center – participants learned to appreciate the value of a “clean game” (no open frames), the thrill of a “double” (two consecutive strikes), and the challenge of converting a “split.” Every bowler played ten frames per game, aiming for optimal scores through strikes, spares, and avoiding splits. As the games unfolded, CGPS bowlers demonstrated their command of these concepts, posting scores that reflected both technical proficiency and mental toughness.

CGPS ability to string together and convert multiple spares in pressure situations proved decisive. Aidan Batyrbekov sealed the first game with a resounding strike with Ryan Subhash consistently clearing the pins in the second, sending the team and their supporters into jubilant celebration. Kaisar and Zachary have also executed strong deliveries across all frames, culminating in a championship-winning performance.

Tenpin Bowling Australia  (TBA), established in Australia in 1966, is the national governing body for the sport, overseeing its development from grassroots participation to elite competition. The TBA’s Victoria branch, which was one of the founding members, has played a pivotal role in promoting tenpin bowling within the state, organising tournaments, training programs, and outreach initiatives aimed at schools and youth groups.

TBA Victoria’s mission is to foster inclusivity, skill development, and sportsmanship. Through partnerships with venues like Wyncity Keon Park, School Sport Victoria and the state’s schools, the branch has introduced thousands of young Victorians to the sport, providing resources and access to competitive leagues. Its commitment to growing the sport statewide is reflected in the success of events like the Primary Schools State Championships, which offer students a platform to showcase their abilities and experience the thrill of competition.

Students, teachers, and supporters alike have all expressed pride and excitement following the CGPS landmark victory. Best of all, the kids learned to support each other, celebrate successes, and handle setbacks. The team collectively looks forward to defending their title in 2026 and to seeing greater participation among their schoolmates – as the championship victory has ignited newfound passion for bowling at CGPS and beyond. The win has encouraged more students to try the sport, with a notable increase in confidence and camaraderie among the team members, many of whom have discovered talents they never knew they had.

For the wider Victorian bowling community, the event signals a new chapter. The success of the State Championships is expected to inspire similar initiatives, with more schools joining competitive leagues and venues hosting youth tournaments. CGPS also plans to defend its title in the future zonal and state championships, building on the foundation laid last year. The school’s achievement serves as a beacon for others, demonstrating that with dedication, teamwork, and the support of community partners, anything is possible.

CGPS triumph at the School Sport Victoria Tenpin Bowling State Championships is a significant milestone in the history of Victorian school sports. Their victory, earned through skill, determination, and unity, not only elevates the profile of tenpin bowling but also sets the stage for greater participation and achievement in the years ahead. As the echoes of celebration fade and new challenges arise, one thing remains clear: the lanes of Victorian bowling venues, and the hearts of young bowlers across Victoria, will continue to resonate with the spirit of competition, friendship, and success.

Whether it’s rolling a strike, picking up a spare, or cheering on teammates, the legacy of CGPS win will inspire more inner city kids to give it a go – proving that in bowling, as in life, every frame offers a new opportunity.