Freemantle & Butler secure Mixed pairs title

THE Mount Gambier District Indoor Bowls Association held its fourth Association Championship for the season, the Faith Jewellers Mixed Pairs Championship.

With 19 entries, the 2026 Mixed Pairs Championship attracted an open field, giving everyone the opportunity to win the title.

The first semi final saw the Blue Lake Bowlers pair of Emma Freemantle and Thomas Butler take on their Blue Lake teammates Leonie Wastell and Glen McCallum. Emma and Thomas proved too strong, winning 8 shots to 3.

In the second semi final, the combined team of Tru Franklin (RSL & District) and Coehen Keppels (Commercial Club) defeated another combined pairing of Trevor Williams (Post-Tel) and Nicola Bowditch (Glenburnie) by 8 shots to 1.

The final featured Keppels and Franklin against Butler and Freemantle, with both teams playing exceptionally well and deserving their place in the decider.

Emma and Thomas made the perfect start, scoring three shots on the opening end.

Tru and Coehen gradually fought their way back into the contest, levelling the scores at 4–4 after the fifth end.

However, Emma and Thomas responded by scoring on the final two ends to claim the 2026 Faith Jewellers Mixed Pairs Championship, winning 6 shots to 4.

The consolation semi finals saw Lorraine Van Den Hoogen and Craig Pearson (Post-Tel) defeat the combined pair of Kevin Burn (Post-Tel) and Fiona Rochow (Glenburnie) 10 shots to 2.

In the second semi final, the Moorak pairing of Caroline Walters and Gary Walters defeated fellow club mates Carla Pannell and Kevin Pannell 10 shots to 5.

In the consolation final, Lorraine and Craig continued their strong form, defeating Caroline and Gary 10 shots to 4 to claim the consolation title.