Trans Tasman Team announced

Bowls New Zealand has put together a formidable team for the Trans Tasman 2024 event in Naenae, Wellington.

Coach Mike Kernaghan is confident in the team's capabilities, emphasising the blend of experience and ambition. The aim is to reclaim victory in the Trans Tasman competition and bring the trophies to New Zealand.

The Blackjacks Men’s team comprises players who are no strangers to international competition.

  • Ali Forsyth: A returning experienced World Champion who will likely be competing in the Men's Singles against 2022 Commonwealth Games champion Aaron Wilson.
  • Shannon McIlroy: Another experienced World Champion who will team up with Forsyth in the Men's Pairs event. Additionally, McIlroy will be part of the Men's Fours, playing at two, alongside lead Tony Grantham with Lance Pascoe at three and Bagrie-Howley as Skip.
  • Tony Grantham, Lance Pascoe, and Sheldon Bagrie-Howley: Bronze medallists at the World Champs in the Men’s Fours, they will also form the Men's Triples team.

The Blackjacks Women's team has been structured to replicate the successful World Champs lineup.

  • Tayla Bruce: As a World Champion, she will take charge in the Women's Singles event.
  • Katelyn Inch and Selina Goddard: Joining forces once more, they will compete in the Women's Pairs.
  • Val Smith, Leeane Poulson, Tayla Bruce, Katelyn Inch, and Selina Goddard: Forming different combinations across the Women's Triples and Fours events.
    • The Triples will have Val Smith as skip, Leeane Poulson leading, and Tayla Bruce at two.
    • For the Women's Fours, Inch and Goddard will join Poulson and Smith to complete the team.

The Women are eager to reconvene after their successful run at the World Champs, aiming to back up their triumph on home ground.

The Blackjacks Para team hold some remarkable stories and breakthroughs:

  • Mark Noble (B6): A veteran Para player, dual Commonwealth Games silver medallist, and a member of the Blackjacks' leadership group. Noble is one of the most experienced New Zealand Para players. His experience and presence are highly valued within the team.
  • Kerrin Wheeler (B3 - Vision Impaired) and Colin Wheeler (Director): The father-son duo debuted at the 2023 World Champs in the mixed pairs event. They are enthusiastic about playing alongside Noble and a newcomer, Steve Delaney.
  • Steve Delaney (B4 - Vision Impaired) and Dean Wood (Director) plus Sally (Guide Dog): Delaney is a B4 player, a first for inclusion in a Trans Tasman event. This also marks the debut of an official guide dog, Sally, being part of the New Zealand team. Sally will accompany Delaney to all team activities, including meetings, meals, training sessions, and games, bringing a unique element to the team culture.

Kernaghan said this team not only showcases the talent and experience of established players like Noble but also marks a significant moment with the inclusion of a B4 player and the integration of a guide dog into the team, emphasising inclusivity and support for players with diverse needs.

It's clear that Teri Blackbourn and Julie O'Connell, as World Champions from the 2023 World Champs, will be integral members of the Blackjacks Para team. They will be joined by Pam Walker, who brings her experience as a representative from the 2022 Commonwealth Games, completing the roster for the Para team.

It is noteworthy that the Para format will differ from previous international competitions. The game format this time will encompass a diverse range of events, including Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours, Mixed Pairs, and Mixed Triples. This variety in game formats allows for a broader representation of skills and strategies, offering different opportunities for players with various strengths to contribute to the team's overall performance. Para Blackjacks Coach Kevin Smith is looking forward to the challenge of the new format, and solidifying the inclusive team culture that has grown exponentially in the past 18 months.

With a Para team comprising World Champions, Commonwealth Games and World Champs representatives, and a variety of game formats, the New Zealand Para Blackjacks are well-equipped to demonstrate their capabilities and versatility, come the February event.

Also set to feature is the inclusion of the Development Men and Women's teams, marking an exciting opportunity for emerging talents.

Men's Development Team:

  • Ray Martin (Singles): Capped as a Blackjack at the 2023 Multi Nations, Martin brings experience to the Singles event.
  • Blake Signal (Skip): The return of World Champion Blake Signal as Skip for the Men's Triples and Fours will provide valuable leadership to the team.
  • Taylor Horn, Finbar McGuigan, Keanu Darby: These players will form the Men's Fours team, with McGuigan and Darby also playing in the Men's Pairs.
  • Signal, Horn, and Martin: They will compete together in the Men's Triples.

Women's Development Team:

  • Briar Atkinson (Singles): Known for her success in Rangatahi Bowls and winning the National Champ of Champ Singles, young Atkinson brings her skills to the Singles event.
  • Bronwyn Stevens, Debbie White: They will team up for the Women's Pairs.
  • Atkinson, Kim Hemingway, Sarah Scott: This trio will represent the Women's Triples.
  • Hemingway, White, Stevens, Scott: Forming the Women's Fours team.

Kernaghan spoke of his pleasure at having Ray Martin and Briar Atkinson seize this developmental opportunity. He highlighted Martin's previous Blackjack experience and Atkinson's achievements in the Oceania Challenge as indicators of their potential to make a significant impact in the competition.

The return of 2016 Men’s Fours World Champion Blake Signal adds a considerable boost to the Men's team, especially in terms of leadership and experience. The Women's team is well-equipped with a balance of skill and potential.

Overall, the inclusion of the Development teams promises an exciting showcase of emerging talents alongside seasoned players, setting the stage for an engaging and competitive tournament.

The full lineup is strategically structured, leveraging the strengths and expertise of the players in various events to maximise the team's chances of success against Australia.

The event, scheduled for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th February, holds significance as it marks the return of the Trans Tasman to New Zealand for the first time since 2017.

 

AT A GLANCE

Trans Tasman International  |  New Zealand vs Australia

2-4 February 2024

Naenae Bowling Club, Wellington

Open Men’s and Women’s disciplines – Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours

Para Men/Women/Vision Impaired – Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours, Mixed Pairs, Mixed Triples

 

Blackjacks Women

Singles: Tayla Bruce

Pairs: Selina Goddard, Katelyn Inch (S)

Triples: Leeane Poulson, Tayla Bruce, Val Smith (S)

Fours: Poulson, Goddard, Smith, Inch (S)

Blackjacks Men

Singles: Ali Forsyth

Pairs: Shannon McIlroy, Ali Forsyth (S)

Triples: Tony Grantham, Lance Pascoe, Sheldon Bagrie-Howley (S)

Fours: Grantham, McIlroy, Pascoe, Bagrie-Howley (S)

Blackjacks Para

Teri Blackbourn

Julie O'Connell

Pam Walker

Mark Noble

Kerrin Wheeler (Colin Wheeler - Director)

Steve Delaney (Dean Wood – Director)

 

Development Women

Singles: Briar Atkinson

Pairs: Bronwyn Stevens, Debbie White (S)

Triples: Atkinson, Kim Hemingway, Sarah Scott (S)

Fours: Hemingway, Stevens, White, Scott (S)

Development Men

Singles: Ray Martin

Pairs: Finbar McGuigan, Keanu Darby (S)

Triples: Martin, Taylor Horn, Blake Signal (S)

Fours: McGuigan, Horn, Darby, Signal (S)