If you were in the crowd at Lockleys Bowling Club to watch Sturt I defeat Glenelg I in the Division 3 South grand final, the Sturt team on the rink closest to most spectators was skippered by Jack Trenorden.
If you were there, you may never forget the superb display of bowling by Jack, backed up by his teammates Kim Keane, Stephen Jones and Neville Riddle.
And you will find interesting Jack's interview below, about his background, his development of bowling skills, his analysis of himself and his attitudes to the game and Sturt.
If you weren't at Lockleys, you will enjoy the photos below of Jack bowling last Saturday.
Plus, the interview will give you a quick insight into this highly skilled and admired individual who has won the respect of all Sturt club members who have watched him play and seen him around the club.
Meet Jack Trenorden
You went to school in the small Adelaide Hills town of Lenswood but, according to your father Phil, were very actively involved in State-level bowls from primary school. And played pennants from age 9. In terms of developing as a bowler, did you find growing up in the Hills a plus or a disadvantage?
Early in my career I don’t believe playing in the hills comp was a plus or a minus as it was dad who helped me develop more than anything or anyone else.
I think we moved down to the metro comp at the right time for all of us to continue developing.
In primary school, what first attracted you to bowls?
Dad, mum, my brother Isaac and sister Lynsey were all playing bowls and I was around it so much on the weekends it just felt natural to start playing as well.
During your teens I understand you played under 18 State level from around 14-15 years of age and won gold medals. Did this early success motivate you to achieve more?
The success and the friends I had made along the way were my motivations to continue getting better.
Your older sister Lynsey and brother Izzy also achieved a lot in their teens – Lynsey selected for National team; Izzy for State team. Did their success inspire you or put pressure on you?
I don’t believe it inspired me or put pressure on me. I think my competitive nature - especially with my siblings - had more of an effect.
When you joined West Lakes Bowling Club, I understand you were picked for their top pennant side by around age 16. What were some of the benefits of playing for West Lakes thereafter – Winning flags? Playing Premier League? Winning medals?
Learning how to play top level bowls and not only play at that level but also be competitive as well.
Of course, the friendships made along the way are a huge benefit on and off the green.
On the mat, you are very controlled and have a distinctive follow-through after you release the bowl. Does this self-control help you concentrate?
My action is more about having something easily repeatable so that playing the same bowl twice and correcting is a bit easier.
And I’m not having to concentrate on what my delivery (action) is and more on what I need to correct.
On the green, you are intense and focused, not flamboyant. Phil says you are not overawed or affected by testosterone. Have you worked at maintaining your composure on the green?
Ahaha. Since playing at West Lakes and realising I can get a bit competitive and easily annoyed at myself, I have had to reign it in and try to not let my competitive nature take over.
You seem to enjoy being skip and Phil says you have a strong mental capacity to think about the game. Is that how you see it?
I have been around bowls for around 16 years now and a good chunk of that was in the premier league, I think that has helped me develop that mental capacity.
I like to play the role that is needed, however I would be lying if I didn’t say I also enjoy skipping.
Phil says bowling comes easily to you; your instincts make it easier; and you are naturally skilled. Do you agree with his assessment?
I don’t know about naturally skilled. Again, being around bowls for the last 16 years has developed that in me, especially in the premier league.
Do you find playing for Sturt in a lower division than you are used to easier or harder for you?
I believe it is easier and harder in different ways. Obviously there is a skill gap between Divison 3 and premier league but that’s not to say Div 3 doesn’t come with challenges and competitors.
For Sturt Bowling Club to continue to improve in pennants, what do you think will be the keys to success?
The want and the desire for everybody to strive to be better not only as a team but as individuals.
Lawn bowls is a team game, however an individual effort can sometimes be the difference.
If we can all push ourselves as a team and as individuals we will separate Sturt from the competition.
What are a few of the things you like most about Sturt Bowling Club?
The culture at Sturt is immaculate and I believe it is important to protect and grow that culture.
Phil says that in recent years you balanced gaining your trade qualification as an electrician with your love of bowls. Is that how you see it?
Balance is a strong word. Everybody has their priorities and while I was getting my qualification and even now when I’m still a junior tradesman, some things have to take priority and work has to be my priority.
Are there a few personal things you could share – eg hobbies; pastimes; favourite ways to relax?
At the moment I don’t have a lot of time to myself as work is busy, bowls just reached the pointy end and I’m currently building a house out in Virginia.
But the time I do have to myself I’m either at the river wake boarding or knee boarding with my girlfriend or at home relaxing doing a whole lot of not much.
Click below to see 37 photos of Jack bowling and skipping in the grand final last Saturday, 21 March 2026.