2022 Trans Tasman: Jackaroos shine on opening day
The Right at Home Jackaroos have recorded an opening test whitewash over the New Zealand Blackjacks at Club Tamborine on day one of the 2022 Trans Tasman.
The men, women and para squads all claimed opening test honours against their counterparts from across the ditch with some sublime performances in each session to take the lead in the coveted three-test event.
In the women’s disciplines, Australia claimed four of the six rubbers as Ellen Ryan ended one of the finest days of her career with a trio of victories.
The 25-year-old emerged victorious in both of her singles matches against Katelyn Inch, and in between fronted up for her 100th international cap with best friend Kristina Krstic, accounting for Selina Goddard and Inch 21-10.
New Zealand would reply with two tight fours wins with Nicole Toomey, Goddard, Tayla Bruce and Val Smith defeating Lynsey Clarke, Krstic, Rebecca Van Asch and Natasha Van Eldik by a combined total of four shots.
Australia would claim the sole women’s triples rubber of the day, with Clarke, Van Asch and Van Eldik saluting over Toomey, Bruce and Smith 18-16.
In the men’s clashes, the Jackaroos would also boast four wins from the six encounters, led by Aaron Wilson’s trio of victories, one in singles over Shannon McIlroy and two in pairs with Corey Wedlock over Tony Grantham and McIlroy.
New Zealand would claim its two wins by a solitary shot in both triples and fours, with a fairytale moment for Blackjack Mike Galloway who would make his international return after 25 years.
Finally, Barrie Lester, Carl Healey and Ben Twist recorded a whopping 31-6 victory to close out the day in men’s triples.
In the para match-ups, Australia recorded six wins, a loss and two draws on a prosperous opening stanza of the tournament.
Damien Delgado and Chris Flavel emerged undefeated in their three men’s pairs rubbers, as did Cheryl Lindfield and Serena Bonnell, who drew their first match with Lynda Bennett and Pam Walker before winning their final two games of the day.
Helen Boardman and Jake Fehlberg also enjoyed a successful first test, winning their first two rubbers before falling agonisingly short in their final match of the day, suffering defeat on the final bowl of the day thanks to a piece of brilliance from Blackjacks pairing of Gerald Brouwers and Sue Curran.
The 2022 Trans Tasman will be held from June 4-6, 2022, at Club Tamborine in Queensland. Rinkside Live coverage will be available on BA’s Facebook page from 9am AEST on Saturday and Sunday, and 8.30am on Monday.
