Justin McCullum, Bevan Brooke, Sophie Martin and Shania Milsome were all part of a Victorian team featuring 14 players that took out the President’s Shield to win the event. 

Bevan Brooke’s mother Kendrell Brooke said to have four bowlers from the region form part of the Victorian team was a fantastic effort.

“It was pretty impressive and it’s a national event, so it’s great for them to achieve that,” she said.

“There were a group of us as parents cheering them all on and helping lift that home advantage. 

“The Victorian girls won gold and the boys came third, so when they were put together their combined total was enough for them to take out the shield.

“I don’t think we have ever had four from Horsham in the Victorian team, so it’s pretty impressive and it’s really an awesome effort.”

Out of the four bowlers, only Martin had competed at the national event before. 

“For Bevan, Justin and Shania it was the first time they had made the team, so for them to all experience that was great,” Kendrell Brooke said. 

It is the second year in a row Victoria has claimed the President’s Shield.

Individual bowlers also competed in the Australian Junior Masters, which Brooke and Martin both qualified for. Martin made it into the final 16. 

Kendrell Brooke said the level of the competition was extremely high. 

“This would be the hardest competition they have ever come up against,” she said.

“This is the pinnacle for their sport – all the best from each state were represented. You are coming up against some older and younger children, so it’s a range.”

Wayne Watkins from Horsham Lanes and Games said the bowlers had been working hard in preparation for the event. 

“They play juniors and competitions here in Horsham and selection trials were last September and they have been training since then,” he said.

“Twice a month they went to Melbourne to train with the Victorian team. They are all pretty keen with their bowling and pretty dedicated to the sport.”

Martin has now been named in a girls national tenpin bowling training squad. 

The selection means Martin has the potential to represent Australia at the Asian Games from August 18 to September 2.

“There are 12 girls for that squad and it will be cut down from there,” Watkins said. “It looks like they will take eight girls to the Asian Games and she is hoping to get into that.

“She would be the first from Horsham to ever go that far.”