Victoria seek three-peat at Arm nationals

by Team BV

New faces have infused Victoria’s Bowlers Arm team, which heads to South Australia to defend their national title and aim for a three-peat of Australian championship victories.
The Armed Vics feature four new faces – Doug Corrigan (Ringwood), Terry Gilmore (Eaglehawk), Ann Power (City of Frankston) and Lee Wesley (Romsey).
“This renewal process is maintained each year by the Armed Vics and reflects the growing standards being reached by Arm players across the state,” said Bowls Victoria director Phil Gude, who co-ordinates Arm Bowling.

“Similar changes have been made to both South Australia and NSW sides which will no doubt be aimed at increasing their chances, so we expect a much tougher event this year but have a very good core group and the new players have fitted in well in the practice sessions.”
The State Arm side gathered together at training sessions at Vermont South BC and North Balwyn BC in recent weeks, aiming to retain the trophies they secured at last year’s nationals.

Bowls Victoria Chief Executive Graeme Bridge said: “We are proud of the efforts of the State Arm side and wish them well in Adelaide when they go for gold – three national titles in a row is the aim.”
The sides play over three days in singles, pairs, triples and fours at Tranmere Bowling Club in Adelaide from Sunday, September 6 to 10.

Mr Gude says this will be the last of the three-sided national contests, as Queensland have formed an Arm group and will be entering the fray from 2016 – a tournament they are set to host.
Armed Vics: Barry Anset (Bendigo), Ray Arnold (Dromana), Barry Atkins (Romsey), Ray Bezett (Benalla), Stephen Coles (North Balwyn), Neil Crisp (Warrnambool), Doug Corrigan (Ringwood), Graham Edwards (Swan Hill), Peter Gribbin (Pakenham), Terry Gilmore (Eaglehawk), Phil Gude (Dromana), Malcolm Finch (Golden Square), Tony Long (St Leonard’s), Arthur Parker (Main Ridge), Ann Power (City of Frankston), Adele Ryan (Ocean Grove), Michael Scotter (Cranbourne), Lee Wesley (Romsey).