#BPL12 edges closer with teams confirmed
The return of sport to the big stage is drawing closer, with all teams confirming their line-ups for the next Bowls Premier League event.
With the continued easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the opening up of state borders this week, the 12th instalment of the BPL is gearing up for a return to Moama Bowling Club early next year, with more than a few teams opting for major personnel changes.
The Brisbane Pirates have settled on a something old, something new approach, with Jeremy Henry set to don the guernsey he wore for BPL03 back in 2015, alongside two new faces in the BPL, Club Pine Rivers’ very own Aaron Hewson and recently crowned national back-to-back Under-18 Female Bowler of the Year winner, Kira Bourke.
The trio take the places left vacant by Alex Marshall and the unavailable Kelsey Cottrell, while Michael Breen has been afforded his first opportunity in the coaching chair after years of playing service.
The host team, and defending champions, the Murray Steamers have also elected to make a change to their roster, with New Zealand Blackjack Katelyn Inch taking over the mantle most recently held by her former international teammate, the recently retired Jo Edwards.
Similarly, the previous winners, the Tweed Heads Ospreys, who claimed the BPL10 title, have confirmed one alteration to their roster, with recently crowned International Male Bowler of the Year winner Corey Wedlock returning to the competition, taking the place of Kurt Brown.
The Melbourne Pulse have bolstered their contingent with new personnel in their third outing, welcoming BCiB Australian Jackaroo Ellen Ryan, in place of her teammate Natasha Scott, and securing the services of Australian Hall of Famer Mark Casey in the coaching role.
The Adelaide Pioneers, Melbourne Roys, Perth Suns and Sydney Lions have nominated unchanged rosters for the 12th instalment.
BPL12 will be staged on the NSW/Victoria border at Moama Bowling Club from February 23-26, with 20 hours of live broadcast on Fox Sports and Kayo across the four days of competition (5pm-10pm AEDT each night) and supplementary Rinkside Live live-streaming at facebook.com/BowlsAustralia.
Bowls Premier League 12 – #BPL12
February 23-26, 2021
Moama Bowling Club, NSW
Day Sessions: From 10.30am AEDT (Stream via Bowls Australia Facebook)
Night Sessions: From 5pm AEDT (Watch live via Fox Sports & Kayo Sports)
Schedule: View here.
Teams:
Adelaide Pioneers: Scott Thulborn, Wayne Ruediger, Rebecca Van Asch (Coach – Les Carter)
Brisbane Pirates: Jeremy Henry, Aaron Hewson, Kira Bourke (Coach – Michael Breen)
Murray Steamers: Ryan Bester, Michael Walker, Katelyn Inch (Coach – David Ferguson)
Sydney Lions: Ben Twist, Aron Sherriff, Karen Murphy (Coach – Steve Glasson)
Tweed Heads Ospreys: Aaron Teys, Corey Wedlock, Chloe Stewart (Coach – Wayne Turley)
Melbourne Roys: Aaron Wilson, Matthew Flapper, Carla Krizanic (Coach – Ian Ewing)
Melbourne Pulse: Barrie Lester, Gary Kelly, Ellen Ryan (Coach – Mark Casey)
Perth Suns: Lee Schraner, Cody Packer, Kristina Krstic (Coach – Pieter Harris)
