A dream promotion

by admin on July 22, 2015

The Australian Premier League announcement Queensland has been waiting for; the APL01 champions XXXX Brisbane Gold’s side is announced and changes have been made.

The man who oversaw proceedings from the coach’s corner for the first two instalments of APL has been given the call up to represent XXXX Brisbane Gold alongside two highly regarded international bowlers.

Alex Murtagh, a Club Pine Rivers local, will step out for a third time representing Brisbane Gold; however this time the former Australian Commonwealth Games Junior representative will put a bowl down during APL03.

Murtagh can create history of his own becoming the first person to win the revolutionary APL as both a player and a coach; and many believe that with two international heavy-hitters on Brisbane’s roster, they could be installed early favourites.

Teaming up with XXXX Brisbane Gold’s favourite son Kelvin Kerkow and the recently transferred Solargain Perth Suns star and former Northern Ireland international Jeremy Henry, Murtagh will join good company in their quest to get back on top after mixed performances in the opening two APL’s.

After claiming the spoils in the inaugural APL, XXXX Brisbane Gold suffered the tortures of a bottom of the table finish in APL02 which has now brought about change for the Club Pine Rivers owned franchise.

Murtagh says he is feeling excited about the call up however knows the pressure is on when he steps out as a player for the first time.

“As a coach it was great to be a part of the victory in the first APL and certainly a memorable moment; however being out there as a player there will certainly be more pressure,” Murtagh said.

“Every team’s goal is to make the finals and from there it’s anyone’s game.

“If we happen to replicate 2013 it would go down as a career highlight for me.”

While Murtagh has never teamed up with Jeremy Henry he has plenty of experiences playing against him and probably more teaming up with Commonwealth Games singles gold medallist Kelvin Kerkow; Murtagh spent most of his state representative career playing alongside the Queensland veteran.

Murtagh, originally from Bundaberg north of Brisbane, relocated to Club Pine Rivers 12 years ago when the club offered the then teenager a job and a chance to pursue his bowls career in the big city.

Now 12 year’s down the track, Murtagh gets the opportunity to repay Club Pine Rivers with a winning performance for the XXXX Brisbane Gold in the much anticipated APL03.

Whilst the banter between coach and players was a trademark of the XXXX Brisbane Gold’s APL campaign with Murtagh at the helm; newly appointed coach Robbie Wild will know what is required after representing the franchise in the opening two APL’s; Wild will be sure to offer close friend Murtagh and his team mates some friendly pointers when he calls his first meeting in charge!

XXXX Brisbane Gold will be entertaining both on and off the green, and with the support coming from the world famous ‘Wayne’s Can Bar’, 2015 could be another great year for the team in maroon.

For more information on the APL visit www.australianpremierleague.com.au

Hope to see you at Club Pine Rivers from November 10-13; however if you can’t make it be sure to tune into Fox Sports from 5:30pm each night during the event.

Caption- Alex Murtagh will make his APL debut as a player after two years as a coach