Australia has claimed opening day honours against England at the Moama International thanks to a come-from-behind victory from world number three Kelsey Cottrell this afternoon (22/2).
Pulling on the green and gold for the 100th time during her short but decorated career, Cottrell, 19, fought her way back from a set down to upstage Amy Monkhouse in a tie-breaker.
Earlier in the day, England’s Mark Bantock and Robert Newman breathed fire into the Three Lions’ campaign with a 14-3, 6-7, 3-1 victory over Australian debutant Lee Schraner and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Mark Jacobsen after Karen Murphy had skipped the host nation to a first up win.
Playing alongside Sharyn Renshaw and former home town hero Claire Duke, Murphy, the world number five, engineered a 13-1, 9-7 victory against Jamie-Lea Winch, Sian Gordon and Sandy Hazell.
Staged over two-days at the Moama Bowling Club, the series is considered crucial to both nations’ preparations for the up-coming Delhi Commonwealth Games, with no love lost between the traditional rivals.
During this afternoon’s crucial third rubber, Cottrell ensured the ascendancy remained with Australia as she came roaring back against Monkhouse in trademark style.
Showing the grit and determination which has taken her to the top of the sport, the teenage phenomenon cinched a 5-8, 10-2, 4-2 win.
“I had this vision of what it was going to be like to play my 100th game, in perfect conditions and play really awesome but it just wasn’t like that,” Cottrell said.
“But obviously to have a win, I can’t really ask for too much more than that.
“The girls had a really good win the morning and Mark (Jacobsen) and Lee (Schraner) were a bit unlucky in the pairs, so I think 5-1 (is the dream result).
“That’s the plan.”
The Moama International will conclude tomorrow with the men’s triples and singles, as well as the women’s pairs.
Live streaming of tomorrow’s final matches is available via bowlsaustralia.com.au.
