Glasgow sun helps Aussie bowlers
A rare Glasgow heatwave is creating a golden glow this week. A rare Glasgow heatwave is playing into the hands of Australia’s Commonwealth Games lawn bowlers, Paul Mulvery reports for the Sydney Morning Herald.
Although Australia is the world’s No.1 bowling nation, the second ranked Scots were firm favourites to dominate in Glasgow on their own slow, lush greens.
But a string of sunny days in the mid 20s, which is expected to continue after the Games start on Thursday, has dried out the greens to suit the Australians.
“The weather’s phenomenal for Glasgow,” Australia’s world champion Karen Murphy said.
“The 10 day forecast is really good and we don’t want it to rain.
“At the moment the greens are great, we’re hoping they stay as they are.
“The Scots are probably thinking they’re a little bit quicker than they’re used to.”
Australia won five of the eight titles at the last world championships in 2012 in Adelaide, with the Scots taking out the other three.
Determined to maintain that edge, the Australians spent a week in Ayr to acclimatise to the Scottish greens and have had several training sessions at the Games venue at Kelvingrove, making them the best prepared travelling team Murphy has experienced.
The world singles and triples champion is competing in the triples and fours in Glasgow, combining with Carla Odgers, Natasha Scott and Lynsey Clarke in the fours which open on the first day of competition against PNG.
Kelsey Cottrell’s ability on slower greens earned her the spot in the blue ribbon singles which also start on Thursday, while she’s also joining Murphy and Clarke in the triples.
International bowler of the year in 2012, Aron Sherriff, also kicks off his singles campaign on Thursday before teaming with Brett Wilkie in the pairs.
With 10 gold medals on offer in Glasgow, the 17 Australians are hoping the Glasgow sun keeps shining.
Caption: Australian Bowls Team members Nathan Rice, Brett Wilkie, Wayne Ruediger, Matthew Flapper, National Coach Steve Glasson, High Performance Coordinator Peter Brown and Tony Scott are all smiles during the Opening Ceremony. Image: Getty Images
