What a Load of Bowls

DJ & Simon
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A podcast bringing you everything lawn bowls. Latest news, Interviews, events, tournaments, player & club development advise and discussing what is being talked about around the greens.

  1. 68 | Olympic Dreams, Platinum Pennant & A 250kg Bowls Trophy

    MAR 4

    68 | Olympic Dreams, Platinum Pennant & A 250kg Bowls Trophy

    🎙️ Episode 68 - World Bowls News, Platinum Pennant & The Cabra 100K Trophy Episode 68 of What a Load of Bowls sees Simon and DJ back behind the microphones discussing plenty of action happening around the bowls world. The lads dive into a series of major announcements from World Bowls, including regional qualifiers for the 2027 World Championships and a significant step towards Olympic recognition through collaboration with the World Petanque and Boules Federation. They also take a look at the updated World Bowls Series rankings, highlight the upcoming World Bowls Indoor Championships, and discuss what it all means for the global growth of the sport. Closer to home, the conversation turns to the TAB Platinum Pennant competition, with a full wrap of the opening rounds and how the ladder is shaping up early in the season. Plus: NSW representative trial squads announced The massive Cabramatta 100K event and its incredible new trophy Bowls popping up in places like Namibia and Bali The realities of playing bowls in extreme heat Simon also shares updates on The Bowls Academy and the growing interest from clubs looking for player development and advisory support. As always, the bias is strong, the banter is stronger, and there’s plenty happening around the greens. 🎧 Listen now and stay up to date with everything happening in the world of bowls.   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel)Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events.👉 https://www.starsub.com.au Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  🏟️ MakMax AustraliaThe leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia.👉 https://www.makmax.com.au Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck RentalLocally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses.👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com 📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear:🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com 🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls:⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

    40 min
  2. 67 | Platinum Pennants Preview.. New Teams, New Rules, Big Predictions

    FEB 20

    67 | Platinum Pennants Preview.. New Teams, New Rules, Big Predictions

    🎙️ Episode 67 - Platinum Pennant 3: Squads, Shocks & Bold Calls Platinum Pennant 3 is here… and we’re breaking it all down. In Episode 67 of What A Load of Bowls, DJ Dilworth and Simon Lyttle preview the 2026 Platinum Pennant season (PP3), including: The two new teams entering the competition The new positional swap rule and what it means tactically Full squad analysis from bottom to top Home-green advantages and key matchups Dark horse predictions Our Top 5 calls (and Simon’s Bottom 4 👀) We also touch on: BPL finals Malaysia’s rise on the international stage Commonwealth Games selection headaches The ongoing bowls shoe debate And yes… the foot fault conversation returns. This one’s a proper deep dive into elite domestic bowls. Grab a coffee and settle in. Don’t forget to join the Platinum Pennant tipping comp. Bowls BSW PP3 trailer video... https://www.facebook.com/reel/1423539869277507   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel)Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events.👉 https://www.starsub.com.au Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  🏟️ MakMax AustraliaThe leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia.👉 https://www.makmax.com.au Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck RentalLocally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses.👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com 📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear:🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com 🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls:⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

    57 min
  3. 66 | From Commonwealth Gold to Hall of Fame: Robert Weale Unfiltered (Part 2)

    FEB 4

    66 | From Commonwealth Gold to Hall of Fame: Robert Weale Unfiltered (Part 2)

    🎙️ Episode 66 - Robert Weale- Part 2 In Part 2 of our conversation with Welsh bowls icon Robert Weale, we go deep into the big questions shaping the future of the sport and reflect on one of the most remarkable international careers bowls has ever seen. Rob shares honest insights on: The Commonwealth Games move indoors and what it means for elite selection Sets play vs traditional formats - what’s gained and what’s lost The realities of the World Bowls Tour, Potters, and global participation Why bowls still has a genuine Olympic opportunity and what must change His decision to step away from international representation Life after retirement, leadership roles, and giving back to the game Being inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame and the inaugural World Bowls Hall of Fame This episode is reflective, honest, and full of perspective from someone who has seen every level of the game, competed under the highest pressure, and still cares deeply about where bowls is heading next. If you love bowls or care about its future, this is essential listening.   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel)Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events.👉 https://www.starsub.com.au Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  🏟️ MakMax AustraliaThe leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia.👉 https://www.makmax.com.au Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck RentalLocally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses.👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com 📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear:🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com 🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls:⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

    1h 42m
  4. 65 | Robert Weale: The Making of a Welsh Great (Part 1)

    JAN 30

    65 | Robert Weale: The Making of a Welsh Great (Part 1)

    🎙️ Episode 65 - From grass roots to greatness: Robert Weale In Part 1 of this special two-part episode of What A Load of Bowls, DJ and Simon sit down with Welsh bowls legend Robert Weale to unpack the early chapters of one of the sport’s most remarkable careers. From rolling his first bowls alongside his father, to becoming the youngest competitor at a World Championships, Robert shares the stories that shaped him - family triumphs, loyalty to his hometown club, and the mindset that carried him onto the international stage. We dive into: Growing up in bowls and winning Welsh titles with family Becoming a specialist lead and fast-tracking into the Welsh team First World Championships experiences and early lessons learned What representing Wales really means Why patience, positioning, and thinking differently set elite players apart This episode is rich in insight, nostalgia, and high-performance lessons and it’s only the beginning. Part 2 takes us deeper into Commonwealth Games gold, singles success, and Robert’s place among the game’s greats.   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel)Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events.👉 https://www.starsub.com.au Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  🏟️ MakMax AustraliaThe leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia.👉 https://www.makmax.com.au Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck RentalLocally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses.👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com 📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear:🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com 🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls:⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

    1h 5m
  5. 64 | A Fresh Year, Familiar Problems: Where Is Bowls Heading?

    JAN 14

    64 | A Fresh Year, Familiar Problems: Where Is Bowls Heading?

    🎙️ Episode 64 marks the first What a Load of Bowls podcast of 2026, and DJ & Simon are back with plenty to unpack. The boys reflect on the Christmas break, coaching plans for the year ahead, and the early build-up to a huge bowls season that includes Commonwealth Games selection, pennants, state championships, and major international events. The episode opens with a heartfelt tribute to Australian bowls legend Rob Perella, recognising his influence on the modern game and his lasting legacy. From there, DJ and Simon dive into: Summerland Pairs results and standout performances Burnside Pairs and New Zealand Nationals highlights Mental health in bowls, sparked by online reactions to Ben Twist World Indoor Championships at Potters – the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable questions Why bowls struggles to attract younger audiences What bowls could learn from sports like darts and the BPL Whether the World Bowls Tour needs a circuit-breaking change This is a wide-ranging, honest conversation about where bowls has come from and where it needs to go next. If you love the sport and care about its future, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel)Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events.👉 https://www.starsub.com.au Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  🏟️ MakMax AustraliaThe leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia.👉 https://www.makmax.com.au Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck RentalLocally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses.👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com 📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear:🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com 🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls:⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

    47 min
  6. 63 | Nationals, World Series Glory & What the Elite Really Do Differently

    12/17/2025

    63 | Nationals, World Series Glory & What the Elite Really Do Differently

    🎙️ EPISODE 63 – is a big one as Simon Lyttle and DJ Dilworth unpack a massive period in the bowls calendar The boys dive deep into: A full wrap of the Australian National Championships, including Champion of Champions, Singles and Australian Sides A behind-the-scenes look at the inaugural World Bowls Series Finals at Club Barham What it was really like to be greenside and on commentary for a world-class event Standout performances from Gary Kelly, Dawn Hayman, Max Kleining, Natalie Lewis and more Why elite players don’t just “rock up” and what club bowlers can learn from their preparation Simon then rounds out the episode with a Coach’s Corner focused on: Mental clarity on the mat Emotional control under pressure Visualisation and pre-shot routines How club players can apply elite habits immediately The episode also marks the final show before the Christmas break, with reflections on the year that was and what’s ahead in 2026. 🎧 A must-listen for anyone who loves bowls, follows elite competition, or wants to genuinely improve their game.   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel)Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events.👉 https://www.starsub.com.au Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  🏟️ MakMax AustraliaThe leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia.👉 https://www.makmax.com.au Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck RentalLocally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses.👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com 📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear:🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com 🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls:⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

    59 min
  7. 62 | Rinkside @ World Bowls Series Finals: Player chats from the worlds best at Barham

    12/10/2025

    62 | Rinkside @ World Bowls Series Finals: Player chats from the worlds best at Barham

    🎙️ EPISODE 62 – is something completely different - the first ever side-by-side, on-location episode of the What A Load of Bowls Podcast! Simon and DJ set up greenside at Club Barham, home of the World Bowls Series Finals, to capture the atmosphere, background noise, and raw preparation of the world’s best. You’ll hear: • A full rundown of the World Bowls Series Finals format and player line-ups • Insights into the greens, the surface, the canopy structures and the unique “fly capital of Australia” conditions • Behind-the-scenes stories from the practice day • Interviews with: – Steve “Rowdy” Arthurs (Club Barham Bowls Coordinator) – Emily Kernick (England) – Dom McVitie (England) - Sam Tolchard (England) - Selina Goddard (New Zealand) - Ranked Number 1 - Ross Owen (Wales) - Ranked Number 1 • What it’s like travelling from across the world to play in Barham • How players prepare on unfamiliar surfaces • Stories from Hong Kong, World Indoors, and the Bowls for Brisbane international exhibition • And plenty of laughs, friendly digs, and trademark DJ–Simon banter.   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel)Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events.👉 https://www.starsub.com.au Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  🏟️ MakMax AustraliaThe leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia.👉 https://www.makmax.com.au Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck RentalLocally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses.👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com 📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear:🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com 🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls:⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

    1h 15m
  8. 61 | Inside the Career of Hall of Famer Mark Casey OAM

    11/26/2025

    61 | Inside the Career of Hall of Famer Mark Casey OAM

    🎙️ EPISODE 61 – Inside the Career of Hall of Famer Mark Casey OAM Episode 61 of What a Load of Bowls is a special one - DJ sits down with Mark Casey OAM, one of the inaugural inductees into the World Bowls Hall of Fame. From his early days as a five-year-old rolling bowls with 80-year-olds at Moonee Ponds, to representing three states (Victoria, Queensland & New South Wales) and winning Commonwealth and World Championship golds, Mark shares the full story behind his remarkable career. They discuss: His surprise call from Brett O’Riley telling him he’d been inducted into the Hall of Fame The early days learning under Kelvin Kerkow and the South Tweed greats Building success at Helensvale alongside Wilkie, Rice, and Clark The creation of the UBC and what’s next for the sport His transition from player to administrator at Deer Park Bowls Club Plus DJ and Simon preview the World Bowls Series Finals, announce their upcoming first-ever in-person podcast recording, and tease a cheeky on-green challenge between TBA Targets and Barry Lester’s Bowls Bumper. 🎧 A must-listen episode packed with stories, laughs, and insight from one of bowls’ most decorated players. PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel)Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events.👉 https://www.starsub.com.au Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  🏟️ MakMax AustraliaThe leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia.👉 https://www.makmax.com.au Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck RentalLocally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses.👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com 📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear:🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com 🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls:⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

    1h 38m
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A podcast bringing you everything lawn bowls. Latest news, Interviews, events, tournaments, player & club development advise and discussing what is being talked about around the greens.

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