Premier Cup
The Premier Cup is contested by the 18 Member Clubs of NQDLBA.
The round-robin competition is played over four days – 3 games of 18 ends with no time limit each day.
For the third consecutive year the ‘Premier Cup’ was won by Thuringowa City Bowls Club.
Congratulations to 2026 winners Kate Leverton, Berneata Corken, Paula Watson & Wendy Jones (skip).
Dedication & History by Lynne (Floss) Foster, OAM, 2026
A 75-Year Legacy of Endurance (1951 – 2026)
This historical record is proudly dedicated to the pioneering women of the North Queensland District Ladies Bowling Association (NQDLBA).
We honour the foresight of Mrs. Gladys Buntain (District President, 1951) and Mrs. Lil Kelly (Bowen Bowls Club), whose shared vision transformed a humble local taxi ride into the ultimate test of club supremacy in the North.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to the late Alice McCane of the Bowen Bowls Club. without her meticulous personal recollections and commitment to preserving our roots, the story of how this great marathon began would be lost to time.
To the past, present, and future bowlers of North Queensland – may your bowls run true and your competitive spirit never fade.
FROM CAB RIDES TO THE PREMIER CUP
In 1951, competitive lawn bowls in North Queensland required a literal journey. Women from regional clubs like Bowen, Ingham, and Ayr routinely boarded steam trains to Townsville to test their skills against city rivals. Upon arriving at the station they relied on a local fleet of Standard White Cabs to ferry them between the railway platforms and bowling greens.
Recognising a unique opportunity to foster regional camaraderie, Mrs. Lil Kelly of Bowen approached the taxi company’s manager, Mr Mason, for a trophy sponsorship. Backed by NQDLBA District President Mrs. Gladys Buntain, a legendary silver cup was born.
To ensure absolute fairness for the inaugural event, the host club was drawn directly out of a hat. Bowen won the draw, hosted the tournament, and went on to claim a historic three-year winning hat-trick.
What began as a friendly regional gathering quickly grew into the most brutal four-day marathon on the North Queensland bowls calendar.
1951: Launched as the Standard White Cabs Cup, played as a rigorous round-robin shield.
1991: Underwent a structural modernisation and rebrand to The Standard Cup.
2020: Formally evolved into the modern NQDLBA Premier Cup, introducing the point-allocation format for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and fourth place finishes.
The competition has changed format several times over the years, from sectional play, to 21 ends with no time limit, and currently stands at 18 ends no time limit.