Millerick & Nelson Reclaim State Mixed Pairs Crown
Bolivia Millerick and Kane Nelson have reclaimed their place at the top of Queensland mixed pairs bowls, claiming gold at the 2026 Bowls Queensland State Championship Mixed Pairs held at Musgrave Hill Bowls Club and Paradise Point Bowls Club from 11-13 May.
The pair, competing in their third consecutive State final, completed a memorable comeback to the top step of the podium, defeating Katelyn Inch and Tyler Pettigrew 29-14 in the Gold Medal Match at Paradise Point Bowls Club. Having won the title back in 2024 before finishing runners-up in 2025, Millerick and Nelson showed the experience and composure of a pair who know what it takes to win at the biggest level.
Their run through the back end of the draw was convincing. They accounted for Ray Glasser and Robyne Quinlivan in the quarter-finals before posting a commanding 20-13 win over bronze medallists Ryan Bester and Rachel Davies in the semi-finals.
Their opponents in the final, Inch and Pettigrew, produced one of the stories of the championship, winning four consecutive matches by a single shot to reach the Gold Medal Match. The pair had earlier turned heads in the early rounds when they converted a remarkable eight-shot end, only for fortune to reverse in the final, where a superb draw by Nelson sealed an eight-shot end for Millerick and Nelson, proving the turning point in the match.
The bronze medal went to Ryan Bester and Rachel Davies, who responded strongly after their semi-final defeat to account for Gary Pearson and Jackie McWhinney 23-12. Pearson and McWhinney were impressive throughout the week, reaching the final four with wins over Blake and Fiona Dowling in the quarter-finals before pushing Inch and Pettigrew hard in the semis.
All competitors showed real grit across the three-day event, pushing through wet and trying weather conditions that tested every pair in the draw. A special thank you goes to Paradise Point Bowls Club, whose generous hospitality in opening their undercover venue ensured competition continued without disruption during the toughest conditions of the week.
Bowls Queensland also acknowledges Musgrave Hill Bowls Club for their role as the major host venue throughout the championship, and extends sincere thanks to major event sponsor Experience Gold Coast, whose continued support makes events like this possible for bowlers right across Queensland.
