Queensland trio lead Diamonds past England in Glasgow
The reigning Commonwealth champions backed up their opening-round win over Tonga with another commanding performance, taking...
Queensland's Kelsey Cottrell helped Australia's winning start to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, as competition got underway ahead of the opening ceremony in Glasgow.
The first bowls have been delivered and the 2026 Commonwealth Games are officially underway, with Queenslander Kelsey Cottrell helping launch the Australian Jackaroos’ campaign before the Opening Ceremony in Glasgow.
Partnering with Dawn Hayman in the Women’s Pairs, Cottrell opened Australia’s campaign with a 2-0 victory over Zambia, giving the Jackaroos the perfect start as she chases the only Commonwealth Games medal missing from her collection.
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist is competing at her fourth Games and remains as motivated as ever to add another chapter to her decorated career.
“It’s just the ultimate dream really. It’s why we do it,” Cottrell said.
“That’s why I keep coming back. You suffer disappointments at different times and you think, ‘Am I done?’ Then you think about the opportunity to win again.
“To be at something like this at a Commonwealth Games, that’s why you keep coming back.”
Queensland’s presence in the bowls competition continues in the coming days, with fellow Queenslanders Serena Bonnell, Jake Fehlberg and Louise Hoskins preparing to begin their Para bowls campaign as Australia’s challenge gathers momentum in Glasgow.
