Blues secure four-peat, Reds break dry spell
NSW women have defended the Marj Morris Trophy, and South Australia have prevailed in Alley Shield. NSW put the finishing touches on a stunning Australian Sides Championships in Yokine, Perth today, producing a historic four-peat of the women’s event, while South Australia broke a 26 year dry spell in the men’s competition.
The Blues etched their name into the history books as the first state or territory to record four consecutive Marj Morris Trophy wins in the women’s 26 year history, after concluding the round-robbin competition with an unblemished seven wins.
Unfazed by having already wrapped up proceedings a day earlier with an unassailable lead, the Blues seized their opportunity to finish up the event undefeated with a final round win against ACT, which proved the catalyst for overall glory, with the state also awarded the Overall Champions Trophy.
The Waratah state weren’t able to secure all three sets of Sides silver in the same year though, with the men’s Alley Shield honours captured by South Australia, but the NSW men’s team more than held up their end to help regain the overall honours from Queensland.
South Australia capped off a stellar campaign in the men’s event , breaking a 26 year long drought to prevail in just their second ever Australian Sides Championships, becoming the third state in as many years to claim the men’s ultimate accolade; the Alley Shield.
The Reds dethroned Queensland, who pinched the coveted prize off NSW 12 months ago in Burnie, Tasmania.
NSW were relegated to second placing in the men’s event, after a penultimate round hiccup to the Croweaters on Saturday afternoon, but they too finished off their campaign in style, with a comprehensive win over Northern Territory.
The Blues were given further cause for celebration, with Matthew Miles, Andrew Howie, Matthew Baus and Aron Sherriff awarded the men’s best performed rink, while Kelly Richards, Ellen Ryan, Anne Johns and Natasha Scott finished the competition undefeated to be rightfully named the women’s rink of the series.
Bowls Australia congratulate NSW on claiming the Marj Morris Trophy and Overall Champions Trophy, and South Australia on winning the Alley Shield.
Click here for full results from the 2015 Australian Sides Championships at Yokine Districts Bowling Club in Perth.
