National Bowling Arm Sides Championships 2017
Victoria faces the toughest National Bowling Arm Sides Championship yet as it attempts to claim a fifth successive Australian title in 2017.
The Armed Vics have won the past four Nationals, and host the event from September 11 to 13 at Moama Bowling Club.
But despite home ground advantage and historic dominance, Victoria now tackles a National Championships which is the biggest ever – a five-cornered contest with Western Australia involved this year for the first time.
Of the States, only Tasmania is now not involved, though 2018 is shaping as its entry point to the sport’s fast-growing arm bowling movement.
Victoria has named six new faces for the Nationals.
Graham Edwards (Kerang), John Lewis (Lakes Entrance), Stephen Mitchell (Koroit), Kerry Ralph (Barooga), Chris Randell (Bendigo East) and Michael Rose (Lilydale) have all been called up to represent the Armed Vics for the first time.
Randell is a reigning State champion in Open competition – part of the winning men’s fours team at 2017 State Champions Week with his Bendigo East clubmates.
Many of the stalwarts of previous Armed Vics champion teams remain part of this side, including Barry Anset, Neil Crisp, Phil Gude and Lee Wesley.
The full Victorian team is:
Barry Anset (Bendigo)
Ray Arnold (Mentone)
Stephen Coles (North Balwyn)
Neil Crisp (Koroit)
Graham Edwards (Kerang)
Mal Finch (Golden Square)
Phil Godkin (Eaglehawk)
Peter Gribbin (Pakenham)
Phil Gude (Dromana)
John Lewis (Lakes Entrance)
Tony Long (St Leonards)
Stephen Mitchell (Koroit)
Kerry Ralph (Barooga)
Chris Randell (Bendigo East)
Michael Rose (Lilydale)
Adele Ryan (Ocean Grove)
Lee Wesley (Burwood)
Manager: Graeme Bridge
2017 National Championships program, full teams, schedule of play
