Trans Tasman test series-Australia's next series of Bowls Stars
Trans Tasman test series- Lockleys B.C, Adelaide
The next wave of stars
Australia's next generation of lawn bowls stars will clash with New Zealand in Adelaide on the weekend when the Junior Trans Tasman test series ignites in the City of Churches.
Staged over three days, the latest installment of lawn bowls' fiercest rivalry will recommence at under-18 and under-25 level, with more than just international pride on the line.
With the 2012 World Championships, the sport's showpiece event, to be staged at the same venue in 18 months time, this year's series may well loom as a dress rehearsal for a numbers of players who possess higher ambitions.
Before then, however, there are the Kiwis to deal with, and national coach Steve Glasson is intent on keeping a close eye on his chargers' fortunes.
"It's another opportunity for the players to show their wares in competition mode," Glasson said earlier today (7/4).
"It's an important step in their development, showing that they can perform in the international arena, and representing Australia in the right manner.
"We've got a pretty good history in both series and we want that trend to continue.
"New Zealand is always a tough opponent, and I'm sure this year will be no different, but we want the trophies to remain on Australian soil."
Leading the charge for the host nation will be South Australia's Renee McPharlin, who will debut in the under-18 series, alongside Western Australia's Kristina Krstic and Queensland's Scott De Jongh.
Victoria's Dylan Fisher makes up the quartet after Australia relinquished the Junior Trans Tasman Trophy for the first time in Auckland last year.
In the under-25 series, NSW's Ben Morthorpe and Ben Twist have been handed their international debuts, along with Queensland's Robert Wild, while NSW's Sarah Boddington is the only addition to a women's line-up that is on the rebound.
Staged from April 9 to 11 at the Lockleys Bowling Club in South Australia, play commences at 9am each day.
