Year of the kiwi?
The New Zealand Blackjacks have announced their APL03 team consisting of international superstars Jo Edwards, Shannon McIlroy and Ali Forsyth. The New Zealand Blackjacks are set to soar to new heights in this year’s Australian Premier League after two solid semi-final performances in the opening two instalments; the Blackjacks will be hoping APL03 is the year of the kiwi.
Selecting the same side as last year, Shannon McIlroy, Ali Forsyth and Jo Edwards will face up once more at Club Pine Rivers representing our neighbours from across the ditch.
The New Zealand Blackjacks, owned by Bowls New Zealand, have always been in the mix come finals time making two consecutive APL semi-finals; however this year, they enter the competition as an experienced combination and a highly credentialed one at that!
In APL02, the New Zealand Blackjacks went through sectional play unbeaten and proved there is no franchise in the competition they cannot overcome.
Shannon McIlroy says the Australian Premier League is a really tough contest between all the teams and is looking forward to what APL03 will bring this year.
“Whilst the APL is extremely tough competition the games are exciting to be part of and with top international players in each side; I’m really looking forward to getting back to Australia and playing in such a tough competition,” McIlroy said.
“There’s no doubt you have to be on point from the get go, there’s no time to get settled into any sort of rhythm, therefore there are no ‘so called’ easy teams.”
When you analyse other franchises line-up’s for APL03, there are very few that have three internationally renowned bowlers in their team, therefore it is hard to look past the New Zealand Blackjacks as a strong contender to take out this year’s $110,000 event.
The Australian franchises will be doing everything possible to keep the title on Australian shores for a third year running; but they will need to be at their best if they are to get past this strong kiwi outfit.
Every APL franchise has now announced their teams for APL03 which commences on November 10 at Club Pine Rivers; don’t forget all the action can be seen on Fox Sports and Sky Sports New Zealand from 5:00pm each night of play.
Which team do you think will take home the $40,000 first prize this year?
XXXX Brisbane Gold
Kelvin Kerkow- Alex Murtagh- Jeremy Henry- Coach: Robbie Wild
Blundstone Melbourne Roys
Dylan Fisher- Aaron Wilson- Matthew Flapper- Coach: Todd Simmons
Gold Coast Hawks
Mark Casey- Nathan Rice- Brett Wilkie- Coach: Anthony Fantini
Tower New Zealand Blackjacks
Jo Edwards- Shannon McIlroy- Ali Forsyth- Coach: Dave Edwards
Messenger News Adelade Endurance
Scott Thulborn- Wayne Ruediger- Max Kleinig- Coach: Mark Haines
Murray Steamers (defending champions)
Ryan Bester-Michael Walker- Safuan Said- Coach: Zane Mikin-Laurie
BCiB Sydney Lions
Steve Glasson- Aron Sherriff- Ben Twist- Coach: Gary Willis
Solargain Perth Suns
Clive Adams- Tom Mitchell- Matt Ellul- Coach: Wayne Turley
