Issuu

Nov 13 -16, 2018

#BPL08

T A S L W O B T S E B ITS SION

LIVE ON FOX SPORTS FROM 5PM EACH NIGHT

bowlspremierleague.com.au

I V E TEL

Francis Road & Sparkes Road, Bray Park QLD 4500

welcome to

#bpl08 Bowls Australia is proud to be here at the magnificent Club Pine Rivers to present the sporting world with another exhilarating instalment of the sport’s made-for-television product, the Bowls Premier League. This week marks the eighth staging of the BPL competition, and the sixth time it has been held here at a venue which is considered the traditional home of the BPL, Club Pine Rivers. I would like to express my appreciation to Club Pine Rivers, Bowls WA, Club Mount Lewis, Club Helensvale, Moama Bowling Club, Fitzroy Victoria and Sports Club, Bowls New Zealand and the Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club for embracing the BPL format and joining Bowls Australia in promoting Bowls to the masses. It took a number of years to develop the BPL with the view that it would be used as a tool to attract more people of all ages to participate in this wonderful sport; now seven years down the track we can safely say that participation numbers have increased and the misconceptions of bowls continue to be shattered. Bowls Australia is extremely proud to have produced a more consumable product for people, both bowlers and non-bowlers, to enjoy live on Fox Sports and Sky Sports NZ that shines a light on the world’s elite players and has viewers on the edge-oftheir-seats for four wonderful nights of exhilarating bowls. The continuation of a live telecast by Bowls Australia’s official Pay-TV broadcast partner, Fox Sports, and Sky Sports in New Zealand have allowed the sport of bowls to be delivered directly into the homes of Australian and New Zealand bowls fans, and more importantly non

bowls fans that have the opportunity to see the sport played in a fast paced, action packed format. During BPL08 we will witness the expansion of the BPL Cup; a relatively new competition on the Bowls Australia calendar which allows players from clubland to enjoy the same format they have seen on TV, not to mention the chance to win their way to a television appearance of their own. For the first time, the BPL Cup finals (quarter-finals and beyond) will be broadcast on Fox Sports; that’s more bowls on TV and greater promotion of the faster format we want to see embraced by the grassroots to accommodate todays modern society of time-poor people. BPL Cup competitors will enjoy all the action of BPL08 during their expensespaid trip to Club Pine Rivers and I’d like to congratulate those 16 teams which have won their way through club, regional and state/territory qualifying to be here for the National Finals. Bowls Australia also continues to roll out Jack Attack in clubs around the country, and has been successfully turning casual

barefoot bowlers into bowling members, and Jr. Jack Attack, which has introduced a new younge’ audience to the sport through its delivery in schools Australia wide. The BPL is a highlight on the bowls calendar and I know many bowlers have been counting down the days to tune into another exciting instalment of the 20-20 style bowls competition. Thank-you to all the staff and volunteers for devoting your time to making BPL such a success; I appreciate all your hard work in delivering a world-class event. I’d also like to congratulate the players for being selected by your franchises to compete in such a prestigious tournament, I wish you all the best, play well, but most importantly enjoy yourself! On behalf of Bowls Australia I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone at Club Pine Rivers, their staff, Board Members, and spectators for your support of this showpiece competition. I trust everyone will enjoy the action and will encourage all your friends to have a roll! Neil Dalrymple Bowls Australia CEO and BPL Chairman

IT’S BIGGER, IT’S BETTER AND IT’S BACK! ARE YOU READY? We are certainly ready for another super-charged instalment of the Bowls Premier League, for eight teams to do battle on the magnificent Club Pine Rivers greens, for the power-plays, the crowd chanting players names, the drives and the party atmosphere.

There’s been a change to the Hawks line-up with Georgia White stepping in for Lynsey Clarke who is on maternity leave (so to speak!)

Wait….. are we playing Lawn Bowls this week?

Sherriff has already created history winning four titles consecutively, with two different franchises might we add, but he can blow his own record out of the park by winning a fifth title here this week.

It’s hard to look past the history books; the BCiB Sydney Lions have their names etched onto the BPL trophy three times and have acquired the services of a former BPL MVP Scott Thulborn.

Locals will get behind their franchise, the Club Pine Rivers Brisbane Pirates, and their chances of seeing the Pirates lifting the BPL trophy is strong when the man widely regarded as the world’s best bowler is wearing their colours.

The Silkari Illawarra Gorillas are a team of international superstars and certainly a team with the combination of fire power and finesse needed to improve upon their two finals appearances.

Oh how bowls has changed! The Bowls Premier League was designed to change people’s perception of our sport and as we gear up for BPL08 we can safely say, bowls is bigger and better than ever before. The BPL is the 20-20 of bowls, it’s fast, it’s loud, it attracts the world’s best bowlers and it appeals to non-bowlers who once upon a time may have seen bowls in a different light. The players have embraced the BPL format and done a terrific job entertaining the crowds both here at Club Pine Rivers and back at home tuning into the live broadcast on Fox Sports and Sky Sport NZ. We are thrilled to have some of the fan favourites back again for BPL08 including Alex Marshall MBE, Ryan Bester, Aaron Wilson, Jeremy Henry and Ali Forsyth returns for the Bowls NZ New Zealand Blackjacks. The inclusion of a female player into each franchise has been a welcomed edition to the BPL and when you have the likes of Commonwealth Games gold medallists Jo Edwards, Karen Murphy, Kelsey Cottrell and Carla Krizanic in this sensational field you know you will be treated to some amazing bowls. Defending champions Club Helensvale Gold Coast Hawks will have plenty of support heading north up the M1 to cheer on their superstar team.

The man to keep your eyes on is Aron Sherriff; if there was a player who has excelled in the BPL format, who has delivered time and time again it is the current MVP and four-time winner of the Bowls Premier League, the man they call “Omar”.

Alex Marshall is a former winner of the BPL with the Moama Murray Steamers but more importantly has won more international gold medals and world titles than any other participant in the field, and perhaps more than the rest of the field combined; he’s that good! We always keep a close eye on the Bowls NZ New Zealand Blackjacks; one, because they are always in contention and have taken the BPL trophy back over the Tasman before and two, because they entertain us with their skills and passion. There’s a friendly but healthy rivalry with the kiwis, the All Blacks are always flogging the Wallabies so it’s up to the other seven franchises to restore the balance in the sporting world and stop those Blackjacks taking their second BPL title home with them! In saying that, it’s not going to be easy. The Blackjacks have a sensational line-up for BPL08 including their star player Jo Edwards who is the envy of many franchises;

Ali Forsyth was born for BPL and we have seen him play some of the most memorable shots in BPL history, and their secret weapon is a teenage prodigy Seamus Curtin who is destined for more international appearances. So, which other teams will pose a threat? The Moama Murray Steamers have a consistent track record in BPL and will be right in contention after the 14 sectional matches.

Jeremy Henry and Aaron Teys will show plenty of flare and will be feared by many in this competition. Look out for the Blooms the Chemist Perth Suns to cause some upsets and the Blundstone Melbourne Roys have one of the best teams on paper. Aaron Wilson can win titles in any corner of the globe, but none are more significant than his victory in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games coveted men’s singles where he well and truly arrived on the international stage. With teams of this calibre BPL08 is sure to be a hotly contested affair, and with $100,000 prize money on the line, $25,000 to the winning franchise, we are in for a real treat from the first bowl to the last. Whether you’re watching the 20 hours of live television from the comfort of your home or you’re at Club Pine Rivers soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the clubs amazing facilities, be sure to spread the word about the world’s most exciting, fast paced, bowls event ever produced. 3

#BPL08

SCHEDULE OF PLAY tuesday, november 13

WEDNESDAY, november 14

RINK 1

Murray STEAMERS vs Melbourne ROYS

RINK 2

Gold Coast HAWKS vs NZ BLACKJACKS

RINK 3

Brisbane PIRATES vs Illawarra GORILLAS

RINK 4 TV RINK

10.00am aest (11.00am AEDT)

Round 5

Round 1

10.30am aest (11.30am AEDT)

Sydney LIONS vs Perth SUNS

RINK 2

Sydney LIONS vs Murry Steamers

RINK 3

Gold Coast HAWKS vs Perth SUNS

RINK 4 TV RINK

Melbourne ROYS vs Illawarra GORILLAS

RINK 2

Perth SUNS vs Melbourne ROYS

RINK 3

NZ BLACKJACKS vs Sydney LIONS

RINK 4

Brisbane PIRATES vs Murray STEAMERS

Sydney LIONS vs Illawarra GORILLAS

RINK 4

Brisbane PIRATES vs Gold Coast HAWKS

RINK 1

Sydney LIONS vs Brisbane PIRATES

RINK 2

Illawarra GORILLAS vs Perth SUNS

RINK 3

Gold Coast HAWKS vs Melbourne ROYS

RINK 4

NZ BLACKJACKS vs Murray STEAMERS

RINK 1

NZ BLACKJACKS vs Perth SUNS

RINK 2

Brisbane PIRATES vs Melbourne ROYS

RINK 3

Illawarra GORILLAS vs Murray STEAMERS

RINK 4

Gold Coast HAWKS vs Sydney LIONS

TV RINK

5.00pm aest (6.00pm AEDT)

Sydney LIONS vs Melbourne ROYS

Melbourne ROYS vs Murray STEAMERS

6.15pm aest (7.15pm AEDT)

Gold Coast HAWKS vs Murray STEAMERS

7.30pm aest (8.30pm AEDT) Illawarra GORILLAS vs NZ BLACKJACKS

Round 8

Round 4

TV RINK

RINK 3

1.15Pm aest (2.15Pm AEDT)

Round 7

Round 3

Illawarra GORILLAS vs Gold Coast HAWKS

NZ BLACKJACKS vs Melbourne ROYS

TV RINK

1.45Pm aest (2.45Pm AEDT) RINK 1

RINK 2

11.30Am aest (12.30Pm AEDT)

Round 6

Round 2

NZ BLACKJACKS vs Brisbane PIRATES

Perth SUNS vs Murray STEAMERS

TV RINK

12.00Pm aest (1.00Pm AEDT) RINK 1

RINK 1

Brisbane PIRATES vs Illawarra GORILLAS

7.30pm aest (8.30pm AEDT) Gold Coast HAWKS vs NZ BLACKJACKS

8.45pm aest (9.45pm AEDT)

Brisbane PIRATES vs Perth SUNS

Sydney LIONS vs Perth SUNS

TV rink tHURSDAY, november 15

FRIDAY, november 16

RINK 1

Gold Coast HAWKS vs Perth SUNS

RINK 2

Murray STEAMERS vs Sydney LIONS

RINK 3

NZ BLACKJACKS vs Brisbane PIRATES

RINK 4 TV RINK

9.00am aest (10.00am AEDT)

Round 13

Round 9

10.00am aest (11.00am AEDT)

Melbourne ROYS vs Illawarra GORILLAS

RINK 2

Brisbane PIRATES vs Perth SUNS

RINK 3

Melbourne ROYS vs Sydney LIONS

RINK 4 TV RINK

Gold Coast HAWKS vs Murray STEAMERS

Round 11

1.15Pm aest (2.15Pm AEDT) RINK 1

Melbourne ROYS vs Perth SUNS

RINK 2

NZ BLACKJACKS vs Sydney LIONS

RINK 3

Brisbane PIRATES vs Murray STEAMERS

RINK 4

Gold Coast HAWKS vs Illawarra GORILLAS

RINK 2

Perth SUNS vs Illawarra GORILLAS

RINK 3

Murray STEAMERS vs NZ BLACKJACKS

RINK 4

Brisbane PIRATES vs Sydney LIONS

10.30Am aest (11.30Pm AEDT)

Round 14

Round 10

NZ BLACKJACKS vs Illawarra GORILLAS

Gold Coast HAWKS vs Melbourne ROYS

TV RINK

11.30Am aest (12.30Pm AEDT) RINK 1

RINK 1

Brisbane PIRATES vs Melbourne ROYS

RINK 2

Illawarra GORILLAS vs Murray STEAMERS

RINK 3

Gold Coast HAWKS vs Sydney LIONS

RINK 4 TV RINK

NZ BLACKJACKS vs Perth SUNS

BPL cup final 2.45pm AEST (3.45pm AEDT) BPL CUP FINAL

Elimination Final 5.00pm aest (6.00pm AEDT)

TV RINK

Ladder Position 3 vs Ladder Position 4

5.00pm aest (6.00pm AEDT)

Round 12

Sydney LIONS vs Illawarra GORILLAS

6.15pm aest (7.15pm AEDT) NZ BLACKJACKS vs Melbourne ROYS

FINALS

Semi Final 6.15pm aest (7.15pm AEDT) Ladder Position 1 vs Ladder Position 2

Preliminary Final 7.30pm aest (8.30pm AEDT)

7.30pm aest (8.30pm AEDT)

Loser – Semi Final vs Winner – Elimination Final

Murray STEAMERS vs Perth SUNS

Final

8.45pm aest (9.45pm AEDT)

Gold Coast HAWKS vs Brisbane PIRATES

Winner – Semi Final vs Winner – Prelim. Final

#BPL08 fast facts franchise owner: Club Pine Rivers Major sponsor: Moreton Bay Regional Council Support sponsors: Moreton Bay Region Industry Tourism Bpl07 finished: Second coach: Dave Edwards Social Media: @ClubPineRivers

Michael Breen DOB: 22/03/1970 Club: Club Pine Rivers, QLD

alex marshall DOB: 08/02/1967

Club: St Johns Park, NSW @kelc68

Club: East Lothian, SCO @tattiemarshall

Achievements:

• Represented Queensland 140 times

• 2018 UK International - pairs gold

• 2018 Commonwealth Games - fours gold, pairs silver

• Four-time Alley Shield champion for Queensland • Two-time Queensland Premier League Champion • Three-time Queensland Division 1 Pennant champion

Kelsey Cottrell DOB: 31/05/1990

• 2018 Commonwealth Games - fours gold • 2016 World Bowls Championships - fours gold • 2015 Asia Pacific Championships - pairs and fours gold • 2014 Commonwealth Games - triples silver • 2012 World Championships - pairs gold

• 2014 Commonwealth Games - pairs and fours gold • 2006 Commonwealth Games - pairs gold • 2000 World Bowls Championships - pairs gold • 1992 World Bowls Championships - pairs and fours gold

XÂŽ {Fc) FÂš) Â„ FÂ„ )X) eÂ‰Fc: Ć€Çˆ ÂĽ)e Â„Ăş 35,=(6 72 %( :21 ,1&/8'(

Âši ÂUsÂłq ÂšÂž{q{ÂU{s

&$6+

$ 1(: 63$

$ 1(: %2$7

$ 1(: 689

7523,&$/ +2/,'$<

75,3 72 9(*$6

)227< ),1$/6 (6&$3(

$ 1(: &$5

$ 6., +2/,'$<

3/$7,180 7,&.(76 ,172 7+( '5$: $5( :21 (9(5<b681'$< )520b 30 '5$:1 681'$< 7+ '(&(0%(5 YYY ENWDRKPGTKXGTU EQO CW

team background The host venue for the five of the six instalments of Bowls Premier League, Club Pine Rivers is also the licensee for the mighty Brisbane Pirates, the inaugural event champions who are looking to raid the treasure chest again, four years after last plundering the loot. Club Pine Rivers is a multiple winner of the Queensland Bowls Club of the Year Award and is one of Queenslandâ€™s pre-eminent bowls clubs, both on and off the greens. With over 30,000 social members, two roofed greens, a brand new multistorey carpark and fabulous facilities, Club Pine Rivers has been, and continues to be the perfect venue to host any major bowling event.

The Brisbane Pirates have failed to make the finals of BPL since their epic victory in the inaugural year; however this year they have opted to bring in the big guns, in arguably the worldâ€™s pre-eminent player, Alex Marshall MBE, who is no stranger to the BPL format, with one title from one attempt coming back in 2014 with the Murray Steamers. Joining Marshall is multiple world champion Kelsey Cottrell, who got a taste of the BPL event first-hand last February with the Gold Coast Hawks, and Pine Rivers favourite son Robbie Wild, who also knows what it takes to the claim the silverware given his success in BPL01. The Brisbane Pirates will be coached by none other than former New Zealand National Coach Dave Edwards who recently relocated to Club Pine Rivers with his wife Jo, to take on the roll as Bowls Co-ordinator.

APL01

APL02

APL03

BPL04

BPL05

BPL06

BPL07

1st

8th

7th

6th

4th

2nd

jackâ€™s prediction... Fourth

Kudos to Club Pine Rivers for securing

the services of Alex Marshall once more; clearly they arenâ€™t all just about having fun, although they do that pretty damn well, the Pirates want to raid the BPL

treasure chest and claim another BPL title! History shows this team is building up to

something special having finished 4th and 2nd since getting internationals Marshall and Cottrell on board. Michael Breen

adds the local flavour and will have played more on this surface than any other BPL

competitor. Their BPL07 performance will give this franchise a lot of confidence. To win a BPL title all three players have to

contribute, if Breen and Cottrell look on the money on day one, I expect this team can go all the way on home soil.

#BPL08 fast facts franchise owner: Club Helensvale Major sponsor: Club Helensvale Support sponsors: Bpl07 finished: First coach: Mark Casey Social Media: @ClubHelensvale

nathan rice DOB: 07/06/1979

aron sherriff DOB: 29/10/1985

Club: Club Helensvale, QLD @nathanrice79

Club: Club Helensvale, QLD @85omar

Club: Club Helensvale, QLD

Achievements:

• 2018 Commonwealth Games - triple and fours silver

• 2018 Commonwealth Games - triples and fours silver

• 2017 Australian Open fours champion

• 2017 Australian Open Men’s Singles Runner-up

• 2 time BPL Most Valuable Player

• 2014 Commonwealth Games - triples bronze • 2006 Commonwealth Games - pairs bronze

georgia white DOB: 30/06/1989

• 3-time BPL Champion • 2016 World Bowls Championships - singles bronze • 2012 World Bowls Championships - fours gold

• 2017 Australian Open singles runner-up • 2016 Australian Open fours champion • 2016 QLD State representative • 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games gold medallist • 2004 Australian Under-18 triples champion

team background Club Helensvale are proud supporters of bowls and have been a leader in bowls excellence for over a decade. There’s no surprise that such a professional club would attract quality players and host world class events, and certainly no surprise seeing them being successful in the Bowls Premier League. Club Helensvale was a winner of Bowls Club of the Year at the 2016 Bowls Australia Awards Night for the work they do promoting the sport, introducing new members, hosting major international events such as the World Champion of Champions and will continue to be at the forefront of bowls when they co-host the 2020 World Bowls Championships.

During each instalment of the Bowls Premier League the Club Helensvale Gold Coast Hawks grow in confidence and stature on the sport’s biggest stage; this culminated with a memorable victory in BPL07 in Wellington New Zealand. There’s no hiding the fact their star import Aron Sherriff had a lot to do with that victory and has really settled in at his new club. Nathan Rice has called Club Helensvale home for majority of his bowls career whilst Georgia White has been drawn back to the club by the opportunity to mix it with the best. The Hawks are coached by former player and Hall of Fame inductee Mark Casey.

jack’s prediction... second

Well I stand the Gold Coast Hawks in high

regard. Aron Sherriff is a legend of the BPL format having cleaned up three titles with

his former franchise and two MVP’s; not

to mention the fourth title he secured with

the Hawks earlier in the year. I don’t think

we’ll see wobbly boots from Omar when he

commences his quest for a fifth consecutive BPL. Nathan Rice was the surprise packet

of BPL07 showing he was all class leading for their star recruit. It took a few games for the Hawks to get their game plan

sorted, but by the end of BPL07 it was

finely tuned and the best team came out

on top. Georgia White has some big shoes

to fill replacing Australian Jackaroo Lynsey Clarke but she’ll be up to the challenge.

APL01

APL02

APL03

BPL04

BPL05

BPL06

BPL07

N/A

7th

4th

8th

3rd

6th

1st

I’ve tipped them to make the final where it will take something special from another

franchise to stop them going back-to-back. 9

#BPL08 fast facts franchise owner: Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club Major sponsor: Silkari Support sponsors: Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club Bpl07 finished: Third coach: Wes Falconer

jeremy henry DOB: 04/03/1974 Club: Warilla Bowls & Recreation, NSW

DOB: 05/010/1973 Club: Cabramatta, NSW

aaron teys

DOB: 07/12/1993 Club: Warilla Bowls & Recreation, NSW

Achievements:

• 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 & 2018 World Cup champion

• 2018 Commonwealth Games - triples silver

• 2018 Australian Indoor Singles Champion

• 2011, 2015 and 2016 Australian Indoor Championship champion

• 2006 Commonwealth Games - pairs silver

• 2017 Gold Coast Multi-Nations - triples silver

• 2002 Commonwealth Games - singles silver

• 2011 Australian Open - pairs gold

• 2017 Gold Coast Multi-Nations - fours silver

• 2000 World Bowls Championships - singles silver • 1996 World Bowls Championships - pairs gold 20 10

Kay moran

• 2009 Australian Open - triples gold • 2008 Australian Open - triples gold

• 2017 Australian Open - singles semi-finalist • 2015 Australian Open - singles gold

team background The Silkari Illawarra Gorillas are the newest team in the Bowls Premier League having only competed in two instalments of the revolutionary event. The Gorillas are owned by one of the leading bowls clubs in Australia; the Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club, located south of Wollongong boasting four greens, one being a multi-million dollar indoor facility which hosts the World Cup. Warilla has a stable of stars none more accomplished than their BPL players Aaron Teys and Jeremy Henry who continue to put their club on the map. Henry, the man widely regarded as the ‘King of the Indoor’ has taken BPL by storm and quickly become a fan favourite.

Henry’s epic run on the Indoor commenced when he won his maiden Australian Indoor title at Tweed Heads in 2011 and was topped off by claiming his fifth World Cup singles title at his home club earlier this year; a remarkable feat for the former Northern Ireland representative. Aaron Teys is one of Australia’s brightest young stars, having already represented Australia and won medals on the international stage. The third Silkari Illawarra Gorilla is none other than Scottish international Kay Moran who was a recent silver medallist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Gorillas will be coached by Wes Falconer who has already guided his trio to consecutive top four finishes.

APL01

APL02

APL03

BPL04

BPL05

BPL06

BPL07

N/A

2nd

3rd

jack’s prediction... First

The Gorillas have a mighty fine BPL record finishing second and third in their two appearances. They have opted for the same line-up and why not when they have been in the mix twice already and have three international super stars in their ranks. If their coach Wes Falconer isn’t sitting on his hands for the entire BPL08 I’d be very surprised! Jeremy Henry loves the big stage and constantly delivers brilliance in the Bowls Premier League. Aaron Teys is the current Australian Indoor Singles Champion and offers the Gorillas some flexibility with his ability to lead or skip in this format. Unlike her team mates who barely need to look at the shot clock, Kay Moran is extremely deliberate in what she does and will use up majority of her 30 seconds to insure she gets the Gorillas off to the best possible start. This team will have us on the edge of our seats and will certainly win more games than they lose this week. 21 11

#BPL08 fast facts franchise owner: Fitzroy Victoria Bowing & Sports Club Major sponsor: Blundstone Australia Support sponsors: Fitzroy Victoria Bowling & Sports Club Bpl07 finished: Seventh coach: Ian Ewing Social Media: @FVBowlingClub @Melbourne Roys

carla krizanicDOB: 26/04/1990 Club: Sunbury, VIC @C_Dodger

DOB: 24/01/1982 Club: Melbourne, VIC @122blest

aaron wilson DOB: 24/11/1991 Club: Cabramatta, NSW

Achievements:

• 2018 Commonwealth Games - triples and fours gold

• 2018 Commonwealth Games - triple and fours silver

• 2018 Commonwealth Games - singles gold

• 2016/17 Female Bowler of the Year

• 2016/17 Male Bowler of the Year

• 2017 Gold Coast Multi-Nations - triples gold

• 2017 Gold Coast Multi-Nations - pairs gold

• 2017 and 2018 North East Valley Singles winner

• 2016 World Bowls Championships - triples and fours gold

• 2017 Australian Open - pairs gold

• 2016/17 International Bowler of the Year

• 2016 World Bowls Championships - triples and fours silver

• 2016 World Bowls Championships -pairs gold

• 2006 Commonwealth Games - pairs bronze

• 2013 Australian Open - singles gold

• 2016 Australian Champion of Champions - singles gold 12

barrie lester

Blundstone is proud to sponsor the Melbourne Roys

team background The Fitzroy Victoria Bowling and Sports Club is part of the sporting precinct in the City of Yarra’s historic Edinburgh Gardens just 3km from the CBD. The club is an amalgamation of the North Fitzroy/Fitzroy Bowling Club (formed in 1877), the Victoria Bowling Club (formed 1876) and the Edinburgh Park Ladies Club (formed 1947). The Blundstone Melbourne Roys have kept with the tradition to the “Fitzroy name, maintaining the nickname ‘Roys’. Fitzroy Victoria Bowling Club is a popular choice for hipsters to try their hand at barefoot bowls with their social bowls green situated right in front of the clubhouse, prime access to the bar and restaurant. If you want

to party, Fitzroy Victoria should be you’re number 1 choice 7 days a week! The Blundstone Melbourne Roys have bravely stuck with the same line-up which has failed to make finals in their past two attempts; but how could you blame them when they have three of the most in form BCiB Australian Jackaroos wearing their colours. Aaron ‘disco’ Wilson has all the fire power to blow the competition apart and with the help from the engine room, proud Victorian’s Carla Krizanic and Barrie Lester the Blundstone Melbourne Roys will be considered a strong chance of taking out BPL08. Another proud Victorian Ian Ewing will coach the Roys again in BPL08.

APL01

APL02

APL03

BPL04

BPL05

BPL06

BPL07

5th

3rd

4th

7th

jack’s prediction... third

It’s about time this team fire! Three gold medals and two silver medals between them from the recent Commonwealth Games but not one appearance in a BPL final. Krizanic, Wilson and Lester have now teamed up for two consecutive BPL’s and are desperate to turn their fortunes around. In a recent interview Wilson indicated that the Roys will target their power-plays and play with aggression; hmm if they are upping the aggression then we better stand back! This could go either way but I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt; these classy players can pull it together for BPL08 and feature at the pointy end. I think the coach needs to pull rank and get a clear game plan established if the Roy’s are to strike gold here this week. I’ve reluctantly predicted them 3rd; to be honest nothing would surprise me with this team. Geez I hope Wilson doesn’t wear Krizanic’s skort again. 11 13

#BPL08 fast facts franchise owner: Moama Bowls Club Major sponsor: Sports Build Support sponsors: Echuca Moama Tourism Bpl07 finished: Fourth coach: Wayne Turley OAM Social Media: @MurraySteamers @Moama_Bowling

ryan bester DOB: 07/12/1984

Tiffany Brodie DOB: 02/07/1998

Club: Broadbeach, QLD

Club: St Kilda, VIC @tiffbroadie1998

Club: Moama, VIC

Achievements:

• 2018 Commonwealth Games - singles silver

• 2018 Australian Jackaroos Emerging Squad member

• Victorian State Representative

• Current Canadian Representative

• 2017 Australian Open fours champion

• 2015/16 Bowls Australia Male Bowler of the Year

• 2016 Australian Open fours champion

• 2016 World Bowls Championships - singles silver • 2015 Australian Open Singles Runner-up

michael walkerDOB: 21/07/1983

• 2014 Commonwealth Games - singles silver

• 2016 Australian Open Under-18 singles champion • 2015 Deaf Sports Rising Star of the Year • 2015 Victorian State Novice Singles • 2015 BDW Australian Open singles champion

• BPL02 Champion • Country Victoria Master singles champion • State Victorian U-30 singles runner-up • Australian Open pairs - quarter - finalist

team background The Murray Steamers are owned by the magnificent Moama Bowling Club on the Echuca Moama border which recently underwent multi-million dollar renovations. The award winning facility now boasts four internationalstandard greens, two tifdwarf grass and two undercover woven-carpet synthetic, nestled within the highest quality facilities for their bowlers and spectators. The Murray Steamers are past winners of the BPL and have been one of the more consistent performing franchises making the finals in all but one event. The secret to their success has been keeping loyal to their players who have delivered for them on the biggest stage. The National Selection Panel put a spanner in the works when they

selected Ellen Ryan for international duties during BPL08 forcing the Murray Steamers into changing their rock solid line-up. The female player with the daunting task of replacing Ellen Ryan is another of the countries brightest young stars Tiffany Brodie; that name should sound familiar to BPL fans having seen Brodie in two previous BPL’s representing the Blundstone Melbourne Roys. Canadian ‘Master Blaster’ Ryan Bester has always performed well for the Steamers and steps up on the sport’s biggest stages, whilst the Moama Bowling Club local star Michael Walker would be highly sort after from other franchises having excelled on the BPL stage from his first appearance back in APL02.

jack’s prediction... seventh

This pains me to predict a team with runs on the board, one of the most consistent BPL franchises in second last place; however

the Murray Steamers have lost their engine

room with Ellen Ryan on international duties and will have mental scares from being one

game short of a grand-final in the past four BPL’s. The Steamers had a flawless game plan which guided them to four finals in as

many events, but does that plan go out the window with their change of personnel?

Tiffany Brodie has BPL experience which will be handy in the big games and is a

future Jackaroo in the making, Michael

Walker is a past BPL winner and Ryan

Bester is world-beater; don’t write them

off just cause I have but I think too much

APL01

APL02

APL03

BPL04

BPL05

BPL06

BPL07

N/A

1st

7th

3rd

4th

3rd

4th

expectation will fall on Ryan Bester’s

shoulders so I worry the steamers will… you guessed it, run out of steam.

13 15

#BPL08 fast facts franchise owner: Bowls NZ Major sponsor: Summerset Support sponsors: Bowls NZ Bpl07 finished: Sixth coach: Richard Girvan Social Media: @BowlsNZ

Seamus Curtin

DOB: 1/07/2000 Club: Stoke Valley, NZ

Club: United, NZ & Club Pine Rivers, QLD

Ali ForsythDOB: 11/12/1979 Club: Clayton, VIC & Nelson, NZ

Achievements:

• 2015/16 NZ Nationals Pairs 3rd equal

• 2018 Commonwealth Games - singles gold

• 5 Asia Pacific Championship medals2 gold, 2 silver & 1 bronze

• 2015 New Zealand International Bowler of the Year

• 4 World Bowls Championships medals- 1 gold & 3 bronze

• 2014 Commonwealth Games - singles gold

• 2004 World Champion of Champion Singles- gold

• 2008 World Bowls Championships - pairs gold

• 2014 World Champion of Champion Singles- bronze

• 2002 World Bowls Championships - pairs gold

• World Cup Singles- silver & bronze

• 2016/17 NZ U18 Singles champion • 2016/17 NZ U21 Singles champion • 2016/17 NZ Nationals Fours 3rd equal • 2017/18 NZ Nationals Singles 3rd equal • 2017/18 NZ Nationals Fours 2nd • 2017/18 NZ Inter-centre Singles champion 16

jo edwards DOB: 05/10/1970

don’t miss all the action when

#BPL09 rolls in 2019 February 25-28 Naenae Bowls Club, Lower Hutt NZ

$100,000 prize money

20 hours of live coverage on

team background

claiming gold in Commonwealth Games and World Cup’s alike.

Bowls New Zealand is the national governing body of Lawn Bowls, working with three Regional Service Centres and 590 clubs around the country, they are committed to the practice and development of Lawn Bowls throughout New Zealand. Bowls is becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand and Bowls NZ’s commitment to the Bowls Premier League through their investment in the team from across the Tasman, not to mention hosting two BPL instalments, one in Auckland and one in Wellington, is indicative of how progressive Bowls NZ are. New Zealand is always a treat on the international stage, whether it be when the country host major internationals like the World Bowls Championships or their players travel overseas

The New Zealand Blackjacks boast a strong line-up for BPL08 with the return of everyone’s favourite BPL star Ali Forsyth to their ranks. Jo Edwards is arguably the world’s best player and without a doubt New Zealand finest female bowler to ever grace their greens. A rising star of New Zealand bowls Seamus Curtin has been awarded the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage; perhaps the start of many more appearances wearing the silver fern. There has been a change to the coaches’ box with former New Zealand Blackjacks player Richard Girvan bringing something fresh to the kiwis side.

APL01

APL02

APL03

BPL04

BPL05

BPL06

BPL07

E3rd

1st

5th

2nd

5th

6th

jack’s prediction... fifth

Big changes have swept the New Zealand Blackjacks with a debutant, a returning hero and a new coach amongst the ranks for the kiwis in BPL08. Jo Edwards is the only player left standing after a below par performance from the home team in BPL07 in Wellington. Many people, both kiwis and avid BPL spectators will be delighted to see Ali Forsyth back on our screens when we all know what the man is capable of here at Club Pine Rivers. Seamus Curtin will join the Blackjacks for the first time after making the semi-final of the Australian Open men’s singles and numerous appearances for the Blackjacks development squad; the 18 year old will hit the big time here in BPL08. The Blackjacks have made finals on 4 out of 7 occasions, lifting the trophy back in APL03 and are very consistent on the quick carpet here at Club Pine Rivers. I’m predicting fifth but this franchise have the firepower to go all the way! 17

#BPL08 fast facts franchise owner: Bowls WA Major sponsor: Blooms the Chemist Support sponsors: Dyenamic Bowls Uniforms Bpl07 finished: Eighth coach: Pieter Harris Social Media: @PerthSuns

Shane Knott

DOB: 20/07/1988 Club: Manning Memorial, WA

Kristina Krstic DOB: 15/06/1994 Club: Manning Memorial, WA

Club: Stirling, WA

Achievements:

• Current WA State representative

• 2018 UK International - triples gold

• 2016 WA State Singles Champion

• 2017 Consistency singles

• 2018 Australian Open Singles - runner-up

• 2014 WA State Singles Runner-up

• 2016 WA State singles champion • 2010 State triples champion • 2008 State fours champion

• 2017 Gold Coast Multi-Nations - fours silver • 2015 Hong Kong International - pairs silver • 2015 Junior World Cup - singles gold • 2015 Junior World Cup - mixed pairs gold

16 18

john slavichDOB: 03/08/1974

• 2010 & 2011 Allan Eddy Medal as Best Player for WA at the Australian Sides Championships • 2000 WA State Fours Champion

proudly supporting

team background

providing plenty of entertainment for the crowds and Fox Sports viewers.

Blooms the Chemist Perth Suns have a firm eye on securing BPL silverware and the $25,000 first prize cheque in BPL08 with three of Western Australia’s best players lining up for the Suns at Club Pine Rivers.

Kristina Krstic re-joins the Suns line-up after missing BPL07 and brings with her added experience from further international representation and a few more achievements to her resume.

Bowls WA is the licensee holder for the Suns and they have held true to their original selection criteria; sticking with home-grown talent based on strong performances for the Sandgropers over the past few years.

Krstic is likely to lead up for the Perth Suns which she has done brilliantly on a number of occasions; however Shane Knott will make his debut for the Suns and is unknown quantity which will plant a seed of doubt for other franchises.

Bowls in Western Australia is thriving with 202 clubs boasting over 15,500 bowling members. John Slavich has been a revelation for the Perth Suns with the man they call ‘Chevy’ certainly adding another dimension to the Suns team and

Pieter Harris has been a Perth Suns player in past BPL’s; however in BPL08 Harris will bring a wealth of coaching experience to the party!

jack’s prediction... eighth

The poor old Perth Suns, the great Aussie battlers who have finished bottom of the

ladder in the past two BPL’s. Good news

though, Australian Jackaroo Kristina Krstic is back to offer some stability for the Suns up front, they have injected new blood with

a Western Australian State Representative Shane Knott coming into the fold and the

most entertaining BPL player John Slavich survived the cull. So what do the Perth

Suns need to change? I’ve got no idea but I’m sure their coach, a former Perth Suns player Pieter Harris will have some pretty

good ideas. Will they just throw caution to

the breeze and play a little crazy? I’d love to see that! It’s going to be a big ask to come

from bottom of the ladder to winning a BPL

APL01

APL02

APL03

BPL04

BPL05

BPL06

BPL07

E3rd

6th

5th

8th

title; however I think the Suns have enough quality in their side to aim for finals.

17 19

#BPL08 fast facts franchise owner: Club Mount Lewis Major sponsor: BCiB Insurance Brokers Support sponsors: Club Mount Lewis Bpl07 finished: Fifth coach: Steve Glasson OAM Social Media: @sydneylions @SteveGlasson

karen murphyDOB: 18/12/1974 Club: Cabramatta, NSW @KMBowlsClinics

DOB: 25/07/1984 Club: Cabramatta, NSW @PearseRay

Scott Thulborn DOB: 25/02/19848 Club: Adelaide, SA

Achievements:

• 2016 World Bowls Championships - singles gold

• Four time NSW State Singles champion

• 2014 Commonwealth Games - triples silver

• 2018 NSW Champion of Champion Singles

• 2016 World Champion of Champion - singles gold • 2015 SA Champion of Champion singles • 2014 SA Champion of Champion singles and pairs • 2013 voted best performed in APL01 • 2013 Super Six - singles bronze • 2012-13, 2011-12 Bowls SA State Event Player of the Year • 2012-13, 2011-12 State Singles Champion

• 2012 World Bowls Championships - singles and triples gold • 2006 Commonwealth Games - pairs gold • More than 600 International apperances 20

ray pearse

• Current Australian Jackaroo • 2016 Six Nations International - triples gold • 2015 Asia Pacific Championships - fours silver • 2015 Asia Pacific Championships - pairs bronze

IS PROUD TO SPONSOR

THE SYDNEY LIONS

14 Waterloo Rd, Greenacre NSW 2190 | 9759 7126 www.clubmountlewis.com.au | @ClubMountLewis

team background Club Mount Lewis is a powerhouse bowling club in Western Sydney and have proudly owned the BCiB Sydney Lions franchise for six years.

Karen Murphy knows what it takes to win BPL titles and BCiB Australian Jackaroo Ray Pearse is in red hot form having just won the NSW State Singles and NSW Champion of Champion Singles.

They were an inaugural franchise in BPL01 and have already lifted the coveted BPL trophy on three occasions, twice in New Zealand and once at the original home of the Bowls Premier League, Club Pine Rivers.

Club Mount Lewis has been the home to some of the best players in the world, none more recognizable than the current National Coach and BCiB Sydney Lions coach Steve Glasson OAM.

After winning three consecutive BPL’s the Sydney Lions found themselves missing finals in BPL07 and have made drastic changes to their line-up. In the Lions den this year they have a former BPL MVP, Australia’s most capped international bowler and a BPL debutant; Scott Thulborn returns to the BPL stage having formerly represented the Adelaide Endurance,

Major sponsor of the Sydney Lions, BCIB Insurance Brokers have become the naming right sponsor of the Australian Jackaroos, demonstrating their continued support of bowls which has now spanned well over a decade.

jack’s prediction... sixth

Well this team is either in the penthouse or the doghouse. One minute they can’t win a tie-break, can’t make finals and can’t

stop blaming the coach (RIP Gary Willis!); then they win three BPL’s with their eyes closed (all hail Steve Glasson), now they are stuck somewhere in the middle with

two new players. Australia’s most capped

international bowler Karen Murphy has been there for everything and will lead the Lions rookies in BPL08. Ray Pearse will make

his BPL debut and brings with him stunning form having just cleaned up all the NSW

Singles titles for 2018. Scott Thulborn is a former MVP and knows what it takes

to be successful in this fast format. Watch

for Thulborn taking the reigns as skip and

APL01

APL02

APL03

BPL04

BPL05

BPL06

BPL07

6th

5th

1st

5th

playing some huge shots at important times. Solid outfit with a lunatic mascot!

nov 12 to 16,

2017

schedule of play 12-Nov-2018 8:00PM Lillydale, VIC (Cleve Snary) Last Chance Qualifier 2 CPRBC Rink 2 12-Nov-2018 8:00PM Lockleys, SA (Bob Ormston) Port City, NSW (Jai Whelan) CPRBC Rink 1 12-Nov-2018 8:00PM Pine Rivers, QLD (Tyler Tucker)

Ulverstone, TAS (Colin Willcox)

CPRBC TV Rink

12-Nov-2018 8:00PM Beenleigh, QLD (Dean McWinney)

Caulfield Park Alma, VIC (Graeme Spencer)

CPRBC Rink 3

13-Nov-2018 8:00AM Club Holdfast, SA (Max Kleinig) Mosman Park, WA (Lisa Featherby) CPRBC Rink 3 13-Nov-2018 8:00AM Darwin, NT (Trystan Smallacombe) Cambridge, WA (Sam Perica) CPRBC Rink 2 13-Nov-2018 8:00AM Last Chance Qualifier 1 Weston Creek, ACT (Horace Williams) CPRBC Rink 1 13-Nov-2018 8:00AM Sandy Bay, TAS (Joshua Mabb) Narrabri NSW (Peter Hobday) CPRBC Rink 4

BPL cup Quarter finals

BPL cup semi finals

13-Nov-2018 1:00pm CPRBC TV Rink

15-Nov-2018 1:00pm CPRBC TV Rink

13-Nov-2018 2:15pm CPRBC TV Rink

15-Nov-2018 2:15pm CPRBC TV Rink

14-Nov-2018 1:00pm CPRBC TV Rink 14-Nov-2018 2:15pm CPRBC TV Rink

BPL cup final 16-Nov-2018 2:45pm CPRBC TV Rink

Winning partnership Proudly supporting Bowls Australia The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) invests in sport at all levels in Australia. We work with Bowls Australia to ensure Australian bowls players excel in the international sporting arena whilst increasing participation in bowls. Bowls Australia is one of many national sporting organisations partnering with us to achieve Australiaâ€™s Winning Edge.

FIND A STOCKLAND VILLAGE NEAR YOU FREECALL 1800 72 71 70

Your place to retire your way Stockland is a proud partner of Bowls Australia

Stockland has over 60 years’ experience in creating communities across Australia with 65 retirement villages across Australia and more than 11,000 residents. When we say ‘it’s your place’, we mean it. It’s what makes living in a Stockland retirement village different. We are so sure you will appreciate the quality, value and lifestyle benefits of our villages we would like to offer you extra reassurance with our Change of Mind Money Back Guarantee.* To ﬁnd out more, visit a Stockland retirement village near you or visit stocklandretire.com.au

*Stockland will refund all amounts you have paid to Stockland for your home (and if applicable the purchase price paid to the previous owner for a strata title purchase) if you notify Stockland that you want to move out of the village within 6 months of moving in. Offer excludes any amounts payable to third parties for upfront costs (e.g. removalist fees and stamp duty) or ongoing costs (e.g. strata levies and utilities) in relation to your home. Offer applies to reservations made on or after 1 November 2015. Offer is subject to terms and conditions to be included as part of the applicable residence contract. For more information speak to a Stockland Sales Professional.

Freecall 1800 72 71 70 stocklandretire.com.au