Australia
claims another Trans Tasman victory
Back from left - Wayne Ruediger, Corey Wedlock, Ellen Ryan, Aaron Wilson, Natasha Scott, Aaron Teys. Front from left - Aron Sherriff, Kelsey Cottrell, Lynsey Clarke and Rebecca Van Asch
The BCiB Australian Jackaroos have hoisted silverware in their final international bout before the 2020 World Bowls Championships, with another dominant Trans Tasman Test Series victory over New Zealand. With inclement weather forcing a late change in venue from Broadbeach to the indoor confines of Tweed Heads on the third and final day of the series, Australia had no problems adjusting to the carpet to secure the final tests on offer. The Australian Men had been eager to continue from where they left off last November, when they completed a series clean-sweep over the Blackjacks, their Kiwi counterparts had other ideas though and claimed the first test with four rink wins over Australia’s two. Meanwhile, the Australian Women fared better in the first test but they had to fight for every inch of ground with both teams splitting the rink wins evenly, this forced the first test to be decided on an overall margin which came down to just three shots in Australia’s favour. On day two the Australian Men produced a decisive victory (+2 wins, +26 shots) over their Kiwi counterparts, while they were made to
Wayne Ruediger, Corey Wedlock, Aaron Wilson, Aron Sherriff and Aaron Teys
scrap once again in the Women’s field, this time they edged out a narrow win by just nine shots. With the confidence of having not lost a Trans Tasman Test Series since 2017, the Jackaroos were brimming with confidence as they headed into the final day at knowing the first two test results and recent history were on their side. The Australian Men ran rampant on the final day, winning all matches on offer after their Kiwi counterparts had begun the event with victory in the first test. Meanwhile, the Australian Women were equally impressive, winning on four rinks out of the six to claim victory. The series marked the final international event for both nations before the 2020 World Championships commence from May 26 to June 7 on the Gold Coast.
Rebecca Van Asch, Ellen Ryan, Kelsey Cottrell, Lynsey Clarke and Natasha Scott Images: Bowls Australia
24 queensland bowler March 2020