Sydney Saints announce inaugural BPL lineup
Newly formed Bowls Premier League (BPL) franchise the Sydney Saints have announced the inaugural lineup that will form its foundation squad at BPL20 at Club Pine Rivers in November.
The Saint Johns Park owned team will field two club members and Right at Home Jackaroos, as well as an international star that has enjoyed an abundance of success around the world.
First up is Dawn Hayman, a world champion in rampaging form on the green after a hefty collection of trophies across various events throughout 2024.
One of her various accolades this year came at the last BPL in February where she was granted her maiden All Star team cap after helping the Moreton Bay Pirates to the BPL19 final.
Hayman will suit up for her fourth franchise in the competition, having previously represented the Pirates, Perth Suns and Sydney Lions.
The 27-year-old will be joined by her fellow St Johns Park member and three-time BPL champion in Ben Twist, who makes the move over from the Lions having played all of his 253 matches at the tournament for the franchise.
Twist was part of the Lions’ maiden title winning squad in BPL04 and was able to go back-to-back with the team in the very next edition of the event.
He was absent in the team’s historic three-peat run at BPL06 but once again made himself a mainstay as he guided the Lions to the BPL14 crown and earning an All Star cap in the process.
The final piece of the playing puzzle will be English international Jamie Walker, who will add serious prowess to an already formidable lineup.
Walker will make his tournament debut in November and bring a wealth of experience to the BPL, having earned a World Bowls Championships gold medal in 2016 as well as a Commonwealth Games silver in 2022.
The 32-year-old is no stranger to the indoor circuit either, having won the coveted annual event at Potters in 2023.
Coaching the team will be St Johns Park’s very own David Ferguson, who will no doubt provide a sensational tactical nous when called upon in November’s competition, having previously coached the Moama Steamers to victory at BPL11.
BPL20 will take place from November 11-15, 2024, at Club Pine Rivers with live streaming via Bowls Australia’s YouTube channel.
