Gleeson Return Brings Big Things For Sharks

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday January 23, 2008

John Gilmour ON THE KITTY

LACONIC left-hander Adam Gleeson has broken a self-imposed exile to help steer Redhead to the lead in the Invitation Big Bowls Challenge.

Gleeson has had an impact as the marquee player for the Sharks, forming a solid pairs combination with former Newcastle representative teammate John Gregory.

Redhead snatched the competition lead when they whitewashed unbeaten Kurri Kurri 16-0 last Wednesday night.

The victory took the Sharks to 94 points, one in front of the Cannons, with four rounds left.

"I have not played in a tournament since I won a triples event at Adamstown in 2002 with the late Barry Salter as one of my teammates," Gleeson said.

The format of the Big Bowls Challenge was one of the main factors that lured him into taking part.

"It is a good competition, but playing midweek mainly in the twilight zone and the shorter format in which you are only on the paddock for about two hours is what I find most appealing," he said.

Gleeson has only played No.4 grade with Carrington in the Newcastle district pennant competition for the past two years.

"I returned to my trade as an electrician two years ago, and work was so hectic that I did not have the time to commit to continue playing for Windale Gateshead in the NSW Premier League," Gleeson said.

"I was not going to play bowls at all, but I come from Carrington, and some of my mates that I grew up with persuaded me to play.

"But that has been it. I have played pennants and pennants only. No club games, no district titles and no tournaments.

"You don't want to come home after a hard week of long hours at work and then turn around and tell the missus that you are going to then be playing bowls all weekend."

The 36-year-old Gleeson has represented Australia at under-25 level and has won a NSW pairs and NSW junior singles title.

He has not ruled out a possible return to the representative scene.

"It may happen one day, but not in the forseeable future," Gleeson said.

"At this stage pennants will suit me. I get most of my enjoyment from bowls playing in a team situation like pennants."

Charlestown moved into outright third place in the Big Bowls Challenge when they thumped defending titleholders East Maitland 14.5-0.5 last Wednesday night to move into third place on 84.5. East Maitland (67) remain fifth.

But Ettalong Memorial (70.5) and Alder Park (54.5) played a deferred round-nine match last night, as did Wallsend (65) and East Cessnock (50). The Entrance (52) and Valentine (62) have a deferred game in hand as do Halekulani (50) and Kahibah (55.5). Nelson Bay (45) gained 10 points from the bye.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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