15/09/2026
Local pickleballers Natalie Bowskill and Jo Bussell have given Busselton plenty to cheer about, claiming silver in a competitive women's doubles field at the Southern River Doubles Classic in Rockingham.
Natalie Bowskill, teamed up with Jo Bussell for the Women's 60+ (3.5–3.99) Doubles category, where the pair quickly proved they were more than capable of matching it with a strong field.
They won three of their four pool matches, earning a place in the gold-medal play-off and keeping Busselton in the hunt right until the final game.
The final did not fall their way, with their opponents producing the steadier game to win 15–5, but the result still capped off an impressive tournament for the Busselton duo.
Their silver-medal finish adds to Natalie's recent run of strong performances and highlights the growing standard of play developing at the local club.
Both players said the weekend was as valuable off the court as it was on it, with the chance to watch other matches, learn from different playing styles and enjoy the friendly tournament atmosphere.
They hope to see more Busselton players entering events in the future, noting that pickleball tournaments are organised by age and experience level, giving newer and seasoned players alike the chance to compete against others at a similar standard.
The pair credited much of their form to the club's regular Friday night drill sessions, held one week in three under the guidance of club coach Jayne de Silva.
On the other weeks, club-run sessions keep players practising the repetition of shots and court movement needed to build confidence in match play.
Busselton Pickleball Club offers sessions for both beginners and experienced players.
Friday night is drills night, while organised social pickleball is held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings, with club members available to explain basic strokes, court positioning and scoring.
Players who have built up their confidence are also encouraged to join the slightly more competitive Thursday night session, which still keeps the emphasis firmly on fun.
More information is available at www.busseltonpickleballclub.com.au
