Burnside Pairs wrap up with Steve Glasson OAM
The Stewart Buttar Burnside Invitation Pairs has concluded after three hard days of competition in Christchurch New Zealand.
The Australian High Performance Team would like to express their gratitude to the Burnside Bowling Club for extending their invitation to include 8 teams into their world class event.
Australia were traditionally afforded two entries into the annual Stewart Buttar Burnside Pairs event, one women’s pairs and one men’s pairs combination, but this year were provided eight positions within the draw, allowing 16 players the opportunity to demonstrate their skills across the ditch.
The competition was fierce and the hospitality from all the members at Burnside Bowling Club was second to none.
Australian National Coach Steve Glasson is thrilled by the experience and especially the performance of the team as a whole.
“It’s been a wonderful experience for all the players and support staff and a great testing ground for future events in Christchurch like the Trans-Tasman, Asia Pacific Championships and World Championships,” Mr Glasson said.
“Each and every one of the 16 players has performed admirably to say the least; everyone has aimed up and put in a solid performance over the three tough days of competition.”
“I’d like to pay special mention to Chloe (Stewart) and Anne (Johns) who kicked the boy’s behinds this week; it was a fantastic effort to finish equal third and be the highest ranked Australian High Performance Team.”
Only one Australian High Performance side qualified for a final and it was Andrew Howie (Mount Lewis) and Brett Wilkie (Club Helensvale) who played off in division two.
“Brett Wilkie and Andrew Howie put in a great effort today to finish runner-up in division two going down by just four,” Mr Glasson said.
Attention will now turn to the National Selectors Dave Stockham, Beth Quinlan, Kelvin Kerkow and National Coach Steve Glasson who have the tough job of narrowing down all the talent in Australia to pick a side to play against New Zealand from March 18-20 back at Burnside.
“Taking into account the performances from players here, and the ones back on Australian shores, it is making it very difficult for selectors to pick a Trans-Tasman side,” Mr Glasson said.
“Having said that the selectors are well progressed in their deliberations and we are hopeful the team will be announced late this week.”
Congratulations Australian ‘A’ Squad member Sean Ingham and partner Shaun Scott (NZ) for their runner-up performance.
For more information please visit the Burnside Bowling Club website.
Australian High Performance Team final placing-
Chloe Stewart & Anne Johns (division one, equal third)
Dylan Fisher & Mark Casey (division one, equal fifth)
Ray Pearse & Matthew Flapper (division one, equal fifth)
Aaron Wilson & Nathan Rice (division one, equal seventh)
Andrew Howie & Brett Wilkie (division two, 2nd place)
Kristina Krstic & Carla Odgers (division four, equal third)
Samantha Shannahan & Lynsey Clarke (division six, equal third)
Sarah Boddington & Claire Turley (division six, equal third)
