The third edition of the Brunswick Seniors Invitational wrapped up over the weekend at Bowlarama Wetherill Park in New South Wales, and if one thing’s clear — this event has cemented itself as a mainstay on the national senior calendar.
With nearly 120 bowlers converging on Greater Western Sydney for the fourth nationally ranked event of the season, the stakes were high, the margins razor-thin, and the bowling red hot across all four divisions.
Senior Women: Matthews Breaks Through for Signature Win
After a string of strong performances in 2025, Samantha Matthews finally claimed a ranked title — and what a way to do it. The Western Australian delivered a dominant second day, firing 235 and 256 in the final block to finish with 3,696 pins (205.3 avg) and take home her first title of the year.
This one carried extra weight. Not only was it her first win of the season — it was the first time she’d outplaced Dena Buxton in an event they both competed in. The reigning two-time rankings champion settled for second, 134 pins adrift, while Amanda Bradley rounded out the podium in third. The NSW veteran and former World Cup winner continues to build momentum in her return to the lanes and competition.
Senior Men: Hayes Surges Late for First Invitational Crown
In a field stacked with champions and contenders, it was Adam Hayes who rose above the rest to claim the 2025 Brunswick Seniors Invitational men’s title, finishing with 4,047 pins over 18 games (224.8 avg).
The story early was all Andrew Thorpe, who stormed through the first block with a 235.4 average, including monster games of 278 and 287. But day two told a different tale. Thorpe’s form faltered with three sub-180 games, and the door swung open.
Hayes took full advantage, blasting a 280 in game five, then closing with 251 to edge past the pack. Michael Wilshaw, based at Campbelltown City Bowl, nearly caught him — finishing just 24 pins back with a personal best 267 to close. And defending champ Ashley Riley refused to go quietly, vaulting from 8th to 3rd on the back of six consecutive 200+ games, falling just 30 pins short of a three-peat.
Winners Journey – Adam Hayes (VIC)
Block 1
193
246
199
223
290
259
279
190
247
161
Total
2,287
Average
228.7
High Game
290
Position after 1st Block
2nd
Block 2
174
212
235
179
280
237
192
251
Total
1,760
Average
220
High Game
280
Final Tally
Total
4,047
Average
224.8
High Game
290
Podium – Senior Men
🥇 Adam Hayes – 4,047 🥈 Michael Wilshaw – 4,023 🥉 Ashley Riley – 4,017
Top 10
Adam Hayes (VIC) – 4,047
Michael Wilshaw (NSW) – 4,023
Ashley Riley (TAS) – 4,017
Shayne Melton (QLD) – 3,992
Darrin Honeysett (NSW) – 3,978
Alan Notman (VIC) – 3,973
Andrew Thorpe (VIC) – 3,938
Dean Champ (VIC) – 3,900
Troy Byrne (NSW) – 3,782
Bruno Maglieri (NT) – 3,781
Grand Senior Men: Carmichael’s Comeback Seals It
Down but not out after day one, David Carmichael surged from fifth to first in a stunning comeback, claiming the 2025 Grand Senior Men’s title with 3,913 pins.
Trailing by 80 pins after 10 games, the Caboolture bowler exploded down the stretch with 1,208 in his final five games, including a blistering 973 over the final four. His closest rival, Michael Muir, was steady all weekend but couldn’t match the late charge, finishing 27 pins behind. Rounding out the podium was consistent performer from Bendigo Bowl, David Farquharson, just 58 pins back in third.
Winners Journey – David Carmichael (QLD)
Block 1
185
202
211
173
279
206
213
201
189
236
Total
2,095
Average
209.5
High Game
279
Position after 1st Block
5th
Block 2
220
192
198
235
234
246
227
266
Total
1.818
Average
227.25
High Game
266
Final Tally
Total
3,913
Average
217.4
High Game
279
Podium – Grand Senior Men
🥇 David Carmichael – 3,913 🥈 Michael Muir – 3,886 🥉 David Farquharson – 3,855
Top 10
David Carmichael (QLD) – 3,913
Michael Muir (SA) – 3,886
David Farquharson (VIC) – 3,855
Andrew Frawley (NSW) – 3,824
Graeme Morgan (QLD) – 3,764
Warren Stewart (VIC) – 3,758
Mick Talevski (VIC) – 3,751
Brian Robinson (QLD) – 3,711
Paul Korte (NSW) – 3,708
Lawrie Hill (QLD) – 3,589
Grand Senior Women: Cassell Cruises to Another Title
Sue Cassell added yet another trophy to her decorated cabinet, powering her way to victory in the Grand Senior Women’s division.
After sitting just eight pins off the lead following day one, Cassell took control when it mattered most, posting a 3,560 total (197.8 avg) to finish 94 pins ahead of Lee Booth. Fellow Victorian Robyn Flynn secured third, with early leader Karen Smith slipping to fourth.
For Cassell, it’s a return to the top step in an event where her experience and consistency once again paid dividends.
Winners Journey – Sue Cassell (QLD)
Block 1
181
151
162
208
194
185
202
180
245
236
Total
1,944
Average
194.4
High Game
245
Position after 1st Block
3rd
Block 2
161
224
155
194
233
196
247
206
Total
1,616
Average
202
High Game
247
Final Tally
Total
3,560
Average
197.8
High Game
247
Podium – Grand Senior Women
🥇 Sue Cassell – 3,560 🥈 Lee Booth – 3,466 🥉 Robyn Flynn – 3,446
Top 10
Sue Cassell (QLD) – 3,560
Lee Booth (VIC) – 3,466
Robyn Flynn (VIC) – 3,446
Karen Smith (QLD) – 3,415
Christine Clark (VIC) – 3,396
Julie Harrison (NSW) – 3,366
Tracey Crsip (QLD) – 3,287
Jennifer Burton-Douglas (ACT) – 3,284
Kayleen Watts (NSW) – 3,234
Heather Robertson (QLD) – 3,226
Tournament High Games
Adam Hayes – 290
Kayleen Watts – 275
A Stage Worthy of the Spotlight
With participation on the rise and the battles tighter than ever, the Brunswick Seniors Invitational continues to grow in stature. From breakout wins to fierce rivalries, Wetherill Park delivered drama, emotion, and elite-level bowling from start to finish.
Up next: all eyes turn to the final stop on the ranked senior calendar, the TBA50 National Masters, as bowlers gear up for a final push in the race for national rankings supremacy. Keep an eye out for the TBA50 National Masters entry form and information which is expected to be released this week.
Attention now turns to team glory as the TBA50 National Teams Challenge begins today at the TBA National High Performance Centre on the Sunshine Coast.
By Matt Stevens
