Roys, Steamers name BPL06 teams
Victoria’s entries in the Bowls Premier League have taken contrasting approaches to team selection as BPL06 looms in November.
The Melbourne Roys have made significant change to their line-up. They’ve secured two of the sport’s marquee players for their maiden BPL appearances in Australia’s No.1 male and female bowlers, Barrie Lester and Carla Krizanic.
The two Victorians, from Mulgrave Country Club and Sunbury Bowls Club respectively, give the Roys enormous star power.
Joining the pair is world champion and long-time Victorian Aaron Wilson, who now plays for Cabramatta in NSW.
The other Victorian entry – Murray Steamers – has retained an unchanged line-up from their last campaign, though it lacks nothing in star quality.
Canadian star Ryan Bester and leading Australian female Ellen Ryan join Moama local Michael Walker in the Steamers side.
Dobe Newton, president of Fitzroy Victoria Bowls and Sports Club which owns the Melbourne Roys team licence, was excited by the prospect of Lester and Krizanic joining a team to be coached by long-time State Coach Ian “JR” Ewing.
“Fitzroy Victoria, as an inaugural licensee, prides itself on being the “little club that could” and our philosophy hasn’t changed, but we’re now on a new and exciting journey,” Newton said.
“We’re honoured that the current No.1 female and male bowlers in the land have agreed to wear the Blundstone Melbourne Roys colours for BPL06.
“If glory comes their way, you’ll hear the cheers all the way from North Fitzroy.”
The Steamers finished as runners-up in last November’s BPL04 following an historic victory in 2014’s BPL02 as an expansion team.
Zane Mikin-Laurie will return as coach.
“Moama Bowling Club is very excited to be a part of this BPL and return for what will be a truly exciting event once again,” Mikin-Laurie said.
“Fresh off the back of a runners-up performance at BPL04 at Club Pine Rivers, then a semi-final appearance in BPL05 in NZ, we have announced an unchanged playing line-up for BPL06, feeling we have the team to go one better at Pine Rivers this year.
“We have the in-form female in Australia at the moment, and Ryan Bester and Michael Walker having been super consistent performers for us and we feel the trio’s third tilt at the title could be their best yet.”
BPL06 will be held at Club Pine Rivers from November 14 to 17 and shown live on Fox Sports.
