Juniors earn their stripes
Dylan Skinner has capped off an excellent month, in which he was named in the Under-18 squad set to face New Zealand in the next month’s Trans-Tasman series, by taking out the 2014 Australian Open boys’ singles title with an impressive performance against fellow Trans-Tasman squad member Queensland’s Braidan Leese. Skinner defeated Leese, the 2013 Australian Under-18 Championships singles and triples winner, 21-18 in a close final that showcased the skills of both of these young guns. “What a final mate. You’re going a long way in the sport, even as you step up to the seniors,” Skinner said of Leese as he accepted his winner’s medal after the completion of the match. Skinner, from Mount Lewis in NSW, also thanked his family, the supporters, tournament staff and most importantly his coach – Wayne Turley. “To Wayne Turley, you’re a legend of the sport and I thank you very, very much for being my coach,” he said. On the next rink, Jamie-Lee Worsnop defeated Molly Wilton to take out the girl’s title, showcasing the form that has her too selected for next month’s series against the Blackjacks. The St Johns Park youngster, a third generation bowler and 2013 Australian Under-18 pairs champion, thanked her family that travelled to the event with her and praised the Darebin event. “It’s been a wonderful event, and I am looking forward to more,” Worsnop commented just after receiving her gold medal. The Trans-Tasman series is set to take place from March 18-20 at the Traralgon Bowls Club in Victoria’s La Trobe Valley. Caption: Dylan Skinner, left, and Braiden Leese, right, are flanked by National Coach Steve Glasson OAM.
