6/11/08
Look out world here come the Aussies – 3 of Australia’s top bowlers left our shores this week headed for the cold climate of Scotland and to take on the top professional bowlers in the world in the Scottish Open.
Australian champions Kelvin Kerkow, Wayne Turley and Aron Sherriff head for the Scottish Open, the first event on the World Bowls Tour lucrative bowls circuit, full of confidence and keen to do well and gain valuable rankings points along the way.
Wayne Turley, recently called back into the National Squad, leads of the Aussie contingent, playing 12the ranks Les Gillett in the first round on Saturday evening followed by Aron Sherriff playing Jason Greenslade on Sunday night.
11th ranked Kelvin Kerkow starts off the 2008/09 WBT series on Sunday against Hong Kong qualifier CY Wong and should clash with pairs partner Mervyn King in round 2.
The Australian qualifiers this year are regarded as the best ever and can be expected to do well against the strong UK based professionals on the indoor rink.
Qualifiers Steve Glasson and Brett Wilkie along with Kerkow will represent Australia in the 2nd of the World Bowls Tour events, the Engage International Open starting on November 23rd.
On Saturday, Wilkie just missed out on winning the Queensland Champion of Champions Singles crown losing 22/25 to Chris Green after being down 0/15 in the early stages.
On Tuesday this week, Glasson won the NSW Champions of Champion singles from Peter Taylor winning 31/15.
Both players are in top form and should do well in the Engage Open.
Australia will be represented by Steve McGuiness, Andrew Howe from NSW and Sean Baker and Aaron Hewson from Queensland in the World Indoor Singles commencing on January 5 at Potters Leisure resort.
The 5th and final event on the circuit is the Welsh International and with Kerkow, Glasson and Sherriff lining up for the Aussies, we are hopeful of more success on the World Bowls Tour.
Viewers can watch all the action online – live from the UK just by following the links on THBC.com.au
The Queensland Champion of Club Champions held last week at Bribie saw former Australian representative Marilyn Peddell from Beachmere take out the title winning 25/21 over Brenda Thompson from Helensvale.
New National Squad Member Brett Wilkie won all three sectional matches in great style especially a hard fought match against State representative Colin Kelly to start favourite against Chris Gee from Mackay Northern Beaches but after a slow start was unable to catch up and lost 22/25.
Bowls NSW in contrast to Bowls Qld play up to 31up in Championship singles matches and one has to wonder who would win over the longer distance.
Steve Glasson, not renowned for “jumping out of the block” but has always finished well and 31 up suits some bowlers more so than others plus the luck is spread out more evenly over the longer game.
Some players take more time to settle down to a rhythm over the longer distance – bit like the Melbourne Cup – but come home stronger over the championship ends between 25 shots and 31 shots!
A new bowls board game on the market is proving to be a hit with bowlers especially on days when play is washed out. Bowlers can play the board game until the weather improves for outside play or just play indoors.
Ideal for taking on holidays especially in caravans on wet days, the your mat bowls game is in bowls shops or more information online on www.yourmat.net
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Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this Bowls Column are not necessarily the views of the Tweed Heads Bowls Club Board, Management or its members, and is written as a matter of general interest and news in the public interest to lawn bowlers worldwide. Greg Kelly Without Prejudic