Maier Poised To Pilot Ettalong In Return Run

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday January 9, 2008

John Gilmour ON THE KITTY

ETTALONG Memorial are likely to thrust Graham Maier into the singles role when they travel to play undefeated competition leaders Kurri Kurri tomorrow night in the Invitation Big Bowls Challenge.

Kurri Kurri lead the competition on 80 points. Ettalong Memorial (68.5) are in third place.

Maier will take over from NSW representative Shane Garvey, who filled the singles role when Ettalong Memorial whitewashed The Entrance 16-0 in their most recent match on December 15.

"Graham [Maier] missed the last match because of work commitments, so we will most likely just make a straight swap," Ettalong Memorial coach and co-ordinator John Roberts said.

"Danny Morrison has played singles previously when Shane [Garvey] has been unavailable, but he skipped the triples last round and played very well so we will probably leave him in that position."

Maier is an accomplished singles player, who in 2006 was beaten in the final of the NSW Champion of Club Champions singles by world champion Steve Glasson.

Roberts said Ettalong Memorial were keen to register some quick points to maintain their high ranking in the competition.

"We finished the old year off on a high and it is important to kick the new year off well," Roberts said.

"We are well placed at the halfway mark in the competition, but this game against Kurri Kurri, especially at Kurri, is going to be very tough.

"They are always very hard to beat on their home green, and this season they are a very strong side right across the board.

"It is important we get a few points from our next couple of games to put us in good stead to make the semi-finals for the third season in a row."

Roberts said Garvey would be back as the marquee player for Ettalong Memorial when they host Alder Park in the next round on January 18.

"Shane has only been available for two matches so far this season and we have won both games 16-0, ironically, each time against the two other Central Coast clubs in the competition Halekulani in the opening round and The Entrance last round," Roberts said.

The competition resumes from the Christmas break tonight with second-placed Redhead (73) at home to Kahibah (45.5), while Valentine (53.5) and champions East Maitland (60) meet at Valentine in a replay of last season's grand final.

Bottom side Nelson Bay (30) host equal fourth-placed Charlestown (60) tomorrow night, while on Friday night Halekulani (41) host East Cessnock (44) and Alder Park (45) meet Wallsend (59.5) at Alder Park. The Entrance (42) have the bye.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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