Carlton Gardens Primary School strikes gold at state bowling titles

Carlton Gardens Primary School (CGPS) has claimed top honours in the Primary Schools division of School Sport Victoria’s Tenpin Bowling State Championships, held in December 2025 at Wyncity Keon Park.

The venue, which has hosted prestigious events including the Victorian Youth Classic and the State Masters Tournament, provided a fitting stage for a breakthrough moment in Victorian junior bowling. With the crash of pins and cheers from supporters filling the lanes, CGPS emerged victorious, cementing its place among the state’s best young bowlers.

Representing the school were Ryan Subhash, Zachary Mathew, and brothers Kaisar and Aidan Batyrbekov. Across two games of ten frames each, the four students demonstrated a strong mix of accuracy, strategy and composure under pressure.

In the lead-up to the championship, the team refined their approach, focusing on technique, spare conversion and frame-by-frame scoring strategy. On finals day, that preparation paid off. The competition followed professional-style scoring, with teams ranked on cumulative pinfall. Bowlers aimed to maximise strikes and spares while avoiding costly splits and open frames.

CGPS impressed with their ability to string together spares in crucial moments. Aidan Batyrbekov sealed the first game with a decisive strike, while Ryan Subhash consistently cleared the pins in the second. Kaisar Batyrbekov and Zachary Mathew also delivered strong performances across both games, helping secure the overall win.

Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA), founded in 1966, is the national governing body for the sport and oversees its development from grassroots to elite competition. TBA Victoria, one of the organisation’s founding branches, continues to promote the sport through tournaments, training programs and partnerships with schools and venues across the state.

Through collaboration with School Sport Victoria and venues such as Wyncity Keon Park, TBA Victoria has introduced thousands of young Victorians to competitive bowling. Events like the Primary Schools State Championships provide students with an opportunity to test their skills in a supportive and high-energy environment.

Students, teachers and supporters have expressed pride in CGPS’s landmark achievement. Beyond the trophy, the team developed resilience, teamwork and confidence — qualities that extend well beyond the lanes. The win has also sparked growing interest in bowling among other students at the school, with increased participation and enthusiasm reported since the championships.

For the wider Victorian bowling community, the event highlights the strength of junior development pathways. Organisers hope the success of the championships will inspire more schools to join competitive leagues and encourage venues to host additional youth tournaments.

CGPS is already looking ahead to defending its title in 2026, building on the foundation established this year. The team’s success demonstrates what can be achieved through dedication, preparation and strong community support.

Their triumph not only elevates the profile of tenpin bowling within school sport but also serves as inspiration for other inner-city students to give the sport a try. Whether rolling a strike, converting a spare or cheering on teammates, CGPS’s victory shows that every frame offers a new opportunity.

Photo caption: ((L–R) Winners of the 2025 Victorian State Tenpin Bowling Championships (Primary Division): Carlton Gardens Primary School – Kaisar Batyrbekov (captain), Aidan Batyrbekov, Zachary Mathew, Ryan Subhash.