The most experienced international bowler in the national squad, Gary Lawson, sees the inaugural New Zealand Open at Henderson next week as an important stepping stone to January's world championships.
As far as the championships are concerned, it's all a work in progress just yet, Lawson says. "Butit's going to be good match practice and everything we play as a build-up is of value." It is also a chance to gain a line on the top Australians, who will be at Henderson and are certain to be strong opposition for New Zealand.
There were some qualifications for the Henderson event, though. The starweed greens were slightly different, and probably a little slicker than those at the Burnside club in Christchurch, where the world championships are being held and where most of the Black Jacks preparation campaign has been based.
Henderson's format would also be a little different from the world's, with the singles in sets and the pairs and fours over 15 ends, which makes the latter two events a relative sprint. Many of the New Zealand side will arrive in Auckland, after taking part in a charity pairs event in Invercargill, late on Sunday and then be on the greens at Henderson early on Monday.
But Lawson is in fine spirits as he contemplates the world championships, which he says will have the best greens and facilities they have had for 20 to 30 years. Having gained a silver medal and two bronze medals at past world championships, Lawson says it is time he changed colour to gold.
Andrew Todd and singles player Ali Forsyth were also in fine touch at Stoke, finishing second and third behind Meyer.
Men and women bowlers will compete for total prize money of $30,000 at Henderson. The tournament starts on Monday with both fours finals on Thursday and those for singles and pairs on Friday.
