New look for nationals
THE Queensland Team to compete in the Australian Sides Championships in Darwin from the May 2-5 was announced yesterday.
Following on from their series loss in both the men and women’s Test series versus NSW recently, selectors have made some changes.
The big inclusion for the Queenslanders is former NSW rep and Australian star Aron Sherriff who will make his debut for the Maroons.
Andrew Howie (Helensvale), who was part of the best performed rink at last year’s Sides Championship makes a return to the men’s team after solid performances this year.
South Tweed’s Scott DeJongh-Fitzpatrick is in the open side after being awarded the player of the series versus NSW in the under-25 category.
The women’s team will be looking to defend their title after winning the Marj Morris Trophy in Adelaide last year.
Changes from the NSW Series include a return of Tweed Heads Jessica Srisamruaybai and the experienced Louise Witton rejoins Lynsey Clarke’s rink.
■ Club Helensvale will host the Premier League finals series this weekend. Here is my analysis of each of the teams.
Minor Premiers after scraping home in many close games throughout the season after strong finishes. A powerhouse club with many State Division 1 Pennant flags to their name but no Premier League titles. Could this be their year?
Have won four straight games after a couple of positional changes and firing at the right time. Plenty of experience. Aron Sherriff will be looking to stamp his authority in his first PLQ finals campaign.
After some team reshuffles mid-season they have won the last six rounds. Kurt Brown has led the way with his rink winning 9 out of 11 rounds to finish second on the skips ladder.
Early favourites and champions, now need to fight from sudden death. Not the ideal end to their season with a loss to Enoggera in the second last round which dropped them into fourth. But I’m sure they will fire up in the finals with their experienced mix of Canadians, Scots, Kiwis and Aussies.
The Power also succumbed to Enoggera on three rinks in the last round, but they too will fire up with internationals Jeremy Henry, Aaron Teys and Shannon McIlroy all bigtime players. They were on top after seven rounds and dropped to fifth in one week.
■ Musgrave Hill and Paradise Point are into the finals of Premier Sevens Division 1 on March 24-25 at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club. Gold Coast teams are in lower divisions.
■ Darra Cementco recently held their prestigious Master Pairs for men and women. Musgrave Hill’s Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Rob Parrella teamed up with Paul Staggard (Helensvale) to win the men’s event while Sue McKenzie (Broadbeach) and Sue Brady won the women’s.
■ Broadbeach’s bowling greens are now closed as Goldoc prepare for the Games. Inside the club will remain open until March 19. Official practice for the Games starts on March 25.
■ Entries Close for the QLD State Championships on Friday.