Under 18s ready to do battle for Championships in Perth
Preparations for the South Australian under 18s sides ahead of next week’s Nationals event have gone according to plan, in the view of both coaches.
To be held in Perth, WA, from October 5-8, at the Mount Lawley Bowling Club, the state will send a strong contingent of players for the Australian Under 18 Championships.
The SA Boys Team, features experienced pair Kobe Jarman and Jayden Green, while Callum Butler, Jakobe Evans, and Darcy Jones will link up for the first time.
Hoping to improve on 2025’s results in Tasmania, coach Isaac Trenorden is again in charge of the boys team, and the third-year coach is feeling confident.
“Our preparations have been really good, despite the dates and weather not being on our side as much this year,” he said.
“Overall, it’s been going really well, and they’ve been preparing individually through their own events, so I have no doubt they’ll all come in red hot.
“We’ve got three debutants, and it’s not easy to make the side, so anyone who has been able to make the five has obviously been impressive, and has the skills and ability to play state bowls.
“Kobe is someone who is a very natural born leader, and he usually takes that role on anyway, so he’s someone the new guys will lean on a bit.
“At state level whether you play five games or two in a day, you have to hit the ground running, because there’s no time to let games slip, because it can happen so early, and there are no excuses to not be in form.”
Meanwhile, from an under 18 girls point of view, coach Cath Greenslade said a freshen up to her side, following some forced changes presents as an exciting opportunity for the Western Australia event.
“I’m looking forward to it, and it is a bit of a new look team with a few debutants, so that’s really exciting,” she said.
“The girls all get on really well with one another, so for the new ones it’s about getting through the first couple of days and then having a bit of a hit-out early.
“They are huge days for the under 18s, and it doesn’t matter how much preparation you do, or how much talking you do, until you’ve actually experienced what it’s like.”
Greenslade said selection was ‘difficult’, with many talented bowlers taking to the green to put their name in contention.
“Selection is always difficult, because it is quite subjective, and there’s always some people who have different opinions,” she said.
“Having seen these players throughout the last couple of years at different representative events, these girls all but picked themselves.
“Talent and achievements played a part, but compatibility and attitude comes into it, because you have to adapt and get on well.
“If the girls perform to their ability, we’re hoping for success, and there will be some expectations on Daisy in the singles, but I wouldn’t underestimate our potential to finish on the podium in all of the disciplines.”
