Pocket Preview: 2024 Wyncity Youth Cup
By Matt Stevens
The Wyncity Youth Cup is set to captivate the nation’s youth bowlers as it rolls into Thomastown, Victoria, on the 24th and 25th of February 2024.
Hosted at the renowned Wyncity Keon Park, this event marks a significant milestone as the first youth division nationally ranked event of the year, bringing together a blend of ambition, skill, and youthful enthusiasm.
Celebrating its 21st anniversary, the Wyncity Youth Cup boasts a rich history of nurturing champions, with the likes of Jason Belmonte, who clinched the title two decades ago, rising to become a bowling superstar. This year, the competition is fiercer than ever, with a sell-out roster of 52 bowlers vying for the coveted title, including several notable names from both junior and youth national training squads.
Defending champions Ellieh Bowman and Nicholas Rajkovic are set to make a grand return, aiming to retain their crowns amidst stiff competition. The event promises an exhilarating format to spread over two days, beginning with all competitors rolling through 12 games across two 6-game blocks on the first day. Only the top 12 boys and top 12 girls will advance to the gripping Sunday Elimination Round.
The challenge intensifies on Day 2, with pinfall carrying over and the top competitors battling through 5 more games to secure a spot in the top 6.
The final stage will see these elite bowlers engage in a strategic Matchplay, with bonus pins up for grabs, culminating in the crowning of the 2024 Wyncity Youth Cup Champions.
As the event draws near, anticipation builds for what promises to be a showcase of emerging talent and spirited competition.
Tenpin Bowling Australia wishes all bowlers the best of luck and high scoring as they strive for glory at the 2024 Wyncity Youth Cup.
WYNCITY YOUTH CUP
PAST CHAMPIONS
| YEAR | MALE CHAMPION | FEMALE CHAMPION |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Brandon Qualischefski (Qld) | Clair Johnston (SA) |
| 2004 | Jason Belmonte (NSW) | Jayde Flanagan (Qld) |
| 2005 | Glen Loader (Vic) | Clair Johnston (SA |
| 2006 | Glen Loader (Vic) | Louise Ingoe (SA) |
| 2007 | David Porto (Vic) | Emily Robertson (Vic) |
| 2008 | David Porto (Vic) | Emily Robertson (Vic) |
| 2009 | Mitch Marris (WA) | Alicia Savill (Qld) |
| 2010 | Sam Cooley (NSW) | Kirsten Field (Vic) |
| 2011 | Sam Cooley (NSW) | Bec Whiting (Vic) |
| 2012 | Matthew Harriage (Vic) | Kaitlyn Commane (Tas) |
| 2013 | Paul White (Vic) | Emily Rigney (Vic) |
| 2014 | Jayden Leming (Qld) | Rachel Glare (Vic) |
| 2015 | Michael Murray (VIC) | Carly Giordmaina (VIC) |
| 2016 | Blayne Fletcher (QLD) | Janet Hunt (NSW) |
| 2017 | Bernie Grueso Jr (VIC) | Janet Hunt (NSW) |
| 2018 | Matt Clague (QLD) | Emma Stephens (NSW) |
| 2019 | Trent Webber (SA) | Chloe Jones (QLD) |
| 2020 | Bernie Grueso Jr (VIC) | Amy Shoesmith (ACT) |
| 2021 | Did not run due to COVID restrictions | |
| 2022 | Bernie Grueso Jr (VIC) | Grace Fahy (VIC) |
| 2023 | Nicholas Rajkovic (VIC) | Ellieh Bowman (QLD) |
