Back in the green and gold
Jackaroo Claire Turley has a spring in her step and a big smile on her face. The 30-year-old recently got the news she had been picked in the Australian team for the upcoming Eight Nations Commonwealth Invitation Championships in Glasgow from August 26 to August 30.
And a few days before that the Australians are playing Wales in a Test series. Turley said making the Jackaroos’ six-member squad was music to her ears.
She hopes a strong showing will then be the springboard for selection in next year’s 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Turley has been out of the Australian team for nine months, since she missed selection in the last world championships.
‘‘I am taking it one step at a time,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s great to get back in the team and I am looking forward to the Eight Nations.
‘‘Playing for your country is such a special feeling.’’
Turley said the support of friends and family had been the foundation she needed to get back onto the international scene. The Cabramatta Bowling Club leading women’s player will also be joined by world class competitor Karen Murphy.
This gives Cabramatta two topliners in the national women’s team. Turley said her dream was to make the Commonwealth Games next year.
Teams in the Eight Nations include Scotland (who have two teams), Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, England, Malaysia and Canada. Turley represented Australia at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, winning a silver medal as a member of the triples team.
She has played for Australia 161 times throughout a career which also includes many international victories in singles, pairs, triples and fours.
The Commonwealth Games for lawn bowlers is the major event in the sport—their grand slam event.
