Heroes unavailable but hopes still high

Peter Belliss (left) discusses plans with then-newcomer Tony Waikato at last year's Arnott Shield tournament in Wanganui. Belliss and a handful of other experienced players will not be available this year. PHOTO/FILE

The Wanganui men's team will not be able to rely on two of their greatest champions when they set out to defend the Arnott Shield against Taranaki and Manawatu in November.

The 14-man squad, split into White and Blue teams, was named this week by selector Lindsay Wheeler.

Last year Wanganui regained the inter-centre representative trophy from holders Taranaki and Manawatu at the Wanganui East Bowling Club. They finished with 28 points, followed by Manawatu (14) and Taranaki (12) to win back the shield for the first time since 2007.

"With Peter Belliss not available for the first game due to television commentary commitments in Auckland and with Sean Johnson, Keith Slight, Kevin Coombe and others not available, the selector is blooding new players," said Wheeler.

The absence of Commonwealth Games medallist Belliss and world championships medallist Johnson could be keenly felt. Wheeler said it was time to give players who were part of the Wanganui Academy 5-year and under representative teams from previous years "experience they will need for the future".

Clint Park was available and with the experience of players like captain Ray Park, Ray Savage, Bruce Winterburn, and Alan Dickson, Wheeler said they still had a formidable side.

Key to that would be the Pinker twins - Cary and Warrick - who won the Bowls NZ National Club Championship Pairs in June. "So come on, Wanganui, bowlers and all, support our Wanganui team."

The games will again be at the Wanganui East club on November 15.

Wanganui squad, White Team - Singles: Clint Park; Pairs: Cary Pinker (s), Warrick Pinker; Fours: Ray Park (c), Ray Savage, Glen Springer, Alan Springer.

Blue Team - Singles: Alan Dickson; Pairs: Bruce Winterburn (s), Tony McCrae; Fours: Phil Corney, Ian Porteous, Bernie Anderson, Tony Waikato.

Selector: Lindsay Wheeler. Manager: Mike Morgan.