Rinkside Clive ready for a busy Nationals
At any given Bowls Australia (BA) event, you’ll usually find Clive Adams stationed behind a microphone on the edge of the rink, analysing and describing the copious amounts of live-streamed contests taking place for viewers strewn across the width and breadth of the country, and indeed the globe.
That role will not change at the upcoming 2022 Nationals, but throughout parts of the fortnight Adams will swap his seat for a mat as he fronts up for Western Australia in the Australian Sides Championships, as well as in the men’s fours in the Australian Championships.
While he adores the commentary aspect of events, his sense of pride to represent his state once again is infectious.
“Everyone knows how much I love doing the commentary but nothing is better than donning the black and gold to play for WA, I absolutely love it,” Adams said.
“While I don’t mind getting over and being involved in the early part of things for commentary, it’s about the opportunity to play for the state again.
“It’s been so long since we’ve been able to do it thanks to COVID, but I just can’t wait to get the uniform on and get out there with the West Aussie guys and give it our best crack to win a title.”
One of Adams’ goals in the sport is to win the Alley Shield for his state, and they have been close on occasions since Western Australia’s last men’s title in 2002.
To bring it back over the Nullabor would be one of his proudest achievements, as would the fours title at the Australian Championships, with he and his teammates looking to defend the title for the state.
“That’s what it’s all about, I’ve been at state bowls for many years now, I think this is my 19th Sides series that I’m due to play in,” he said.
“It’s been a long journey and I haven’t quite tasted success yet, we’ve been close a couple of times and we haven’t finished it off.
“The team is a great team, we’re really looking forward to getting over there and any chance you get to mix it with the best is something you treasure.
“With the Australian fours, I’m looking forward to teaming up with Blake Nairn again and enjoy the talent that he has and to see if we can find a national title, which would be special to defend the championship after the Mount Lawley boys last time.”
Affectionately known as Rinkside Clive, Adams might be on the opposite end of the live-stream when he fronts up in the national fours, and will relish the opportunity to be broadcast if it falls that way.
“I definitely won’t stand in front of the cameras, I promise that,” he quipped.
“It’s all good fun and I have certainly loved the chances that I’ve had to be on streamed games.
“It’s all part of the wonderful experience that is these events.”
You can hear Clive Adams on Rinkside Live commencing this Friday on Bowls Australia’s Facebook page.
The Nationals will be staged at Broadbeach Bowls Club and Club Mermaid from September 30 to October 14, courtesy of valued support from Tourism and Events Queensland and Major Events Gold Coast.
