Caldwell back at the selection helm
John Caldwell is back as Nelson’s representative bowls selection convenor after a two-year absence.
Collingwood-based Caldwell, 69, initially called time on his five years in the role in 2015, having previously won three consecutive national intercentre titles with the Canterbury men’s side during his four-year tenure from 2002 to 2005. He was also manager of the Tasman Makos rugby team under coach Todd Blackadder in 2008.
He enjoyed a successful first term as selection convenor of both the Nelson men’s and women’s representative teams. The Nelson men won the national intercentre title in his first year at the helm in 2011, with the Nelson women enjoying title successes in 2012 and 2014.
‘‘I felt after five years my energy levels weren’t what they should be and my enthusiasm and drive was below par in my own opinion,’’ said Caldwell, who was officially re-appointed in September.
‘‘With a two-year break, I feel that I’m ready to come back, I’m where I should be and looking forward to a real challenge.’’
Caldwell will again be responsible for both the men’s and women’s teams and will have assistance from Maurice Dodsworth (senior men and women), Dean Wood (junior men) and Peter Sisterson (junior women).
‘‘There’s a lot going on this year and with the men in particular, the standard has dropped in my opinion and we need to really blood some new players.
‘‘Finishing in the last eight at the intercentre is a pass mark at best and for a province the size of Nelson with such a proud tradition, you know, it’s had a lot of top players that have won New Zealand singles and championships, we should be doing better.’’
Both the Nelson men’s and women’s teams made quarterfinal exits at this year’s national intercentre competition in Wellington in March.
Caldwell said that getting through to the semifinals was ‘‘a minimum requirement’’.
‘‘It may take us a couple of years to get to that point, and what decides that to a degree is the availability of [Blackjacks] Ali Forsyth, Richard Collett and Shannon McIlroy.
‘‘The women are in a healthier state and I’m not sure of the availability of Jo Edwards and Val Smith this coming season, but we’ll still have a reasonable side I believe even without them. Time will tell that, but we’re in rebuilding mode basically.’’
Caldwell said he would name an initial squad following the annual Stoke Invitation Singles tournament on November 10-12.