Black Jacks Development Squad and 6 Nation Invitational Event Athletes Named

Athletes have been named for the Black Jacks Development Squad and the 6 Nation Invitational Event.

The 2012 Black Jacks Development Squad comprises Angela Boyd, Dale Lang, Kaaren Guilford, Chris LeLievre and Mark Watt who have returned to the squad with newcomers Sandra Keith, Amy Brenton, Kirsten Griffin, Lisa White, James Pugh, Nathan Glasson, and Scott Cottrell.

The squad will receive coaching from National Assistant Coaches Raelene Peters and Terry Scott. An internal tour to take place next year is also being considered in which a team will be selected from the squad.

National Coach Dave Edwards has said the depth created in regional squads is starting to show through in the caliber of the players.

“As a selection panel we are pleased to see real depth starting to emerge in the HP program. The newcomers to this squad have developed very well in the regional talent development squads. They have put into practice what they have learnt and as a result have put their hands up, and deserve the promotion into the Black Jacks Development Squad.

A squad has also been announced for the 6 Nation Invitational Event which is to be held in Adelaide in May this year. The six participating nations are some of the world’s top bowling nations and include; New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Fiji, South Africa and Scotland.

The event is five players a side however under negotiation with organisers New Zealand will be taking a squad of six women and eight men so that players can be substituted between games and the event can be a trial for the World Bowls 2012 Sides. The squad is comprised of Val Smith, Jan Khan, Jo Edwards, Genevieve Baildon, Leanne Curry, Mandy Boyd, Shannon McIlroy, Ali Forsyth, Richard Girvan, Matt Gallop, Dan Delany, Tony Grantham, Shaun Scott, and Andrew Kelly.

National Coach Dave Edwards says “The fact that we are taking eight men shows that competition for places is intense”.

“We have asked the players to ensure they aim to peak for this event to give themselves the best chance of making the ultimate goal for them, which is the 2012 World Championships Side” says Edwards.

The Black Jacks Development Squad is:

Amy Brenton

Angela Boyd

Chris LeLievre

Dale Lang

James Pugh

Kaaren Guilford

Kirsten Griffin

Lisa White

Mark Watt

Nathan Glasson

Sandra Keith