Three new names will make their New Zealand Para Bowls debut later this year, with selectors ringing in the changes for the upcoming Multi-Nations in Australia.
Retaining his place in the team from the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Takaro’s Mark Noble will skip the men’s pair and will be joined by the in-form Darron Wolland, who earlier this season won both the National Para Singles and Open Disability Singles – remaining unbeaten throughout.
The women’s line-up will see New Zealand indoor bowls representative Teri Blackbourn and Southland representative Julie O’Connell combine forces, forming a new look pairing at the top level.
Blackbourn, who has recently returned to the outdoor code after a lengthy hiatus from the sport, has shown huge potential in a short space of time and impressed selectors as one to watch moving forward.
O’Connell, who herself has been consistently performing at a national level, including a win in the national para pairs with Carolyn Crawford last year, narrowly missed selection for Birmingham, but will now be given an opportunity to show her wares on the international stage.
Much like the Blackjacks open teams, familiar names such as Graham Skellern, Bruce Wakefield, Pam Walker and Lynda Bennett, who have all previously represented the Para side and missed selection on this occasion, have been sent a clear message for future selection prospects.
“There were some very disappointed players, but you would expect that,” Kernaghan said.
“Across the board, they (the athletes) all understand the door isn’t shut on their future goals, but this is a time where other players have really stood out, put their hand up and screamed, pick me!
“Off the back of some very good domestic performances, we now want to see if they can rise to that next level, and that can only be a good thing for the future of our para bowls. We’re confident that Julie, Teri, Darron and Mark will take this opportunity and put their best foot forward come March.”
The Multi Nations will take place on the Gold Coast between 25-31 March 2023.
New Zealand Para Bowls Team
2023 Multi-Nations, Gold Coast (25-31 March)
Julie O’Connell (lead), Teri Blackbourn (skip)Darron Wolland (lead), Mark Noble (skip)
National Head Coach:
Mike Kernaghan
National Selectors:
Peter Belliss, Sharon Sims
