Reigning pairs champs remain unscathed
Australian Open defending pairs partners Dylan Fisher and Russell Green Jr are having the dream start to this year’s discipline with the dynamic duo cruising through their round two encounter against New South Wales qualifiers Ashley Mitchell and Arron Severs 17-8.
The 2013 title holders took control early in the match to assert their claim on back-to-back titles holding steadfast to edge their way into the third round.
Round two of the men’s pairs draw also proved prosperous for Australian Jackaroo Nathan Rice and his partner, 2011 Australian junior pairs champion Rohan Wilson. The act of two held their nerve against Queensland’s Wayne Masters and Neil Peach to pick up counts of 3 on the final two ends to secure their fate for another day amongst this year’s mix, prevailing 14-10.
The 2008 Australian Open triples champion Carl Healey also breezed through to the third round, skipping his partner in the form of Junior World Cup champion Ben Twist past South Australia’s Ken Willcox and Derrick Bushell, 12-8.
The pair will now meet Western Australia’s Dave Rankin and Clive Adams after they accounted for Victoria’s Peter Marshall and Albert Kruimel 19-11.
Coming up short in the men’s pairs draw however saw the shock exist of Bowls Australia Hall of fame inductee Kelvin Kerkow and his partner Australian U18 singles champion Dean McWhinney. The pair were ousted from this year’s draw by the inform Moonee Ponds representative Adam Galloway and Altona’s Brett Foley, 14-8.
Neil Burkett and his partner Peter Williams also exited after today’s proceedings, going down to Victoria’s Neville Brown and Wayne Lynch 13-15. The pair rallied on the last end to secure three shots, but the damage had already been done by the state representatives who have now secured a berth into the third round.
Bowls Australia Community Development Officer Josh Thornton has teamed up with his brother to advance through the second round, securing victory over Victorian qualifiers Mark Ryan and Brad Orr, 15-12.
While Bowls Victoria Advertising Manager Michael Stanley and his partner Scott Guymer have dropped their guard against New South Wales qualifier’s Brendon Baker and Andrew Rees, going down 4-18. Stanley and Guymer had the dream start to their men’s pairs campaign by earlier accounting for the 2010 Australian Open men’s singles champion Aron Sherriff and Ocean Grove’s Matt Flapper.
Across the rink Australian Premier League and Adelaide Endurance star Scott Thulborn skipped Wayne Ruediger to victory over Queensland’s Brett Merkel and Dean Merlo in a dominate display with the bowls, triumphing 17-6.
The action from the men’s pairs continues from 4pm tomorrow with the semi-finals rolling out live from the Darebin International Sports Centre.
Story provided by Courtney McKenna for bowlsaustralia.com.au.
