Moama ladies pairs preview
The Moama Ladies Premier Pairs Classic is fast becoming one of the worlds most prestigious events for women; this year attracting international players from four countries along with a host of state representatives from all over Australia. The upcoming Moama Bowling Club’s Ladies Premier Pairs Classic has attracted some of the biggest names in the sport all competing for the huge $33,000 prize pool which makes the tournament one of the worlds richest in the women’s game.
This year’s event which will kick off on August 29 and has attracted nine teams with international capped players, numerous state representatives, former international players, under 25 stars and a host of the best local talent.
Last year’s champions, New Zealand Blackjacks Val Smith and Jo Edwards claimed the lucrative $10,000 first prize after going through one of the toughest tournaments undefeated after seven matches.
Once again the New Zealand greats will be present at Moama; however the pair will have plenty of international, national and local hopefuls to get past in the threatening field of 52.
Australia’s recently crowned number one ranked female bowler Natasha Scott will join forces with fellow Australian Open fours champion Carla Odgers as they did at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Current World Pairs champions, Kelsey Cottrell and Rebecca Van Asch were selected by Bowls Australia to compete together in this event and will be looking to emulate their performance from Adelaide in the 2012 World Championships.
More international raiders have their eyes on the prize with Bowls New Zealand pairing of 2014 Commonwealth Games fours bronze medallist Selina Goddard and Many Boyd, and Malaysia’s Siti Zalina Ahmad will team up with Norfolk Island representative Carmen Andersen.
Queensland and New South Wales twin sensations Cassandra and Bolivia Millerick, Samantha and Natalie Noronha are quickly gaining a reputation as some of the games brightest young stars.
Victoria will be well represented with 19 teams earning an invitation into the prestigious event, closely followed by NSW with eight, South Australia with seven, Western Australia with five, Queensland with five and Tasmania with four teams all competing for their slice of the large prize pool.
Moama Bowling Club Sports Administrator Zane Mikin-Laurie, as seen during APL02 coaching the winning franchise the Murray Steamers is running this prestigious tournament and says the members of Moama are looking forward to the event.
“Our members have always really enjoyed having International standard bowls played here at Moama, and to have such a strong event that now attracts such bowlers year to year is great for our club and wider region,” Mikin Laurie said.
“This event has had some high profile winners, however the ‘locals’ have historically performed very well so it creates great interest amongst the spectators.
“Every end and every shot is important in this format and with the quality and evenness of the field every game is always super competitive.
“Off the green I know all the women have such a great time at this event and Moama Bowling Club prides itself on its hospitality and facilities for the players and spectators and that is always such a huge factor is successful events.”
The Ladies Premier Pairs Classic will run over four days from August 29 with seven games being played to decide this year’s champions.
For more information on the event or to follow results during play don’t forget to visit the Moama Bowling Club’s website by clicking here.
