Boddington back in the hunt
New South Wales pocket rocket, Sarah Boddington is back in the mix for Australian selection as one of 16 players picked to travel to New Zealand for the Burnside Pairs as part of the Australian High Performance team.
Sarah Boddington had a taste of the Australian Squad in 2012 when she was selected to trial for the World Championships and it was during those months she learnt what is expected to one day represent Australia.
Boddington remained on the radar and consistent performances and endless training over the past two years have warranted a second chance for the 22 year old to once again be involved with the High Performance team.
Sarah Boddington (Tuncurry) and Ray Pearce (Cabramatta) were the only two selected from outside the current Australian squad and ‘A’ squad, whilst the late inclusion of Andrew Howie (Mount Lewis) now brings that total to three.
Boddington knows the importance of a strong performance in New Zealand with Trans-Tasman berths on the line, however the Tuncurry based bowler is not letting that put pressure on her performance.
“If I do really well at Burnside, like everyone else, we all have a chance to make the Trans-Tasman team or get picked for the next Australian Squad, but my main aim is to play the best I can and see what happens,” Miss Boddington said.
The annual Trans-Tasman is in March this year, however National Coach Steve Glasson has declared that preparations for the 2015 Asia Pacific Championships, 2016 World Championships and 2018 Commonwealth Games has started therefore whilst only 10 can make the Trans-Tasman, players are being blooded for the future.
Boddington has been teamed up with fellow New South Wales team mate Claire Turley who together, have represented NSW on the same rink for numerous years.
“I’m really happy to be teamed up with Claire because we have played so much together and I think we know each other’s game really well,” Miss Boddington said.
Boddington can draw on her experience playing in New Zealand having competed there three times as part of a U’18 and U’25 side, along with a trip to Auckland for the New Zealand Open in 2012.
The Australian High Performance team will get at least two days of practice before the event commences on January 16, including a friendly exhibition game against a New Zealand squad.
Australia are traditionally afforded two entries into New Zealand’s annual Stewart Buttar Burnside Invitation Pairs event, one women’s pairs and one men’s pairs combination, but this year have been provided eight positions within the draw, allowing 16 players the opportunity to demonstrate their aptitude across the ditch.
Australian High Performance teams are-
Sarah Boddington (NSW) & Claire Turley (NSW)
Chloe Stewart (VIC) & Anne Johns (NSW)
Samantha Shannahan (VIC) & Lynsey Clarke (QLD)
Kristina Krstic (WA) & Carla Odgers (VIC)
Andrew Howie (NSW) & Brett Wilkie (QLD)
Dylan Fisher (VIC) & Mark Casey (QLD)
Ray Pearse (NSW) & Matt Flapper (VIC)
Aaron Wilson (VIC) & Nathan Rice (QLD)
For more information on the Burnside Pairs follow the link below to their website
http://www.burnsidebowlingclub.com/home.html
